Distorted Light Beam
Bastille Lyrics

It isn't enough To start a riot Distort the light beam Until I like me It isn't enough If this is real life I'll stick to dreaming Come see what I see
The singer is reflecting that starting a riot or changing the physical world around them is not enough to feel happy and content with who they are. Instead, they look to their dreams and fantasies where they have control over their reality and can be anyone they want to be.

Feeling like If this is life I'm choosing fiction Oh, whoa, oh, whoa Call it faith, call it fate The fantasy's the same (uh)
The singer expresses their belief that their dreams and fantasies are more real and fulfilling than actual life. They choose to call it fate or faith that they can live out their fantasies and dreams even though they are not based in reality.

When I'm dreaming tonight I can do anything When I'm dreaming tonight I can go anywhere When I'm dreaming tonight I can be anyone So don't wake me up, don't wake me up When I'm dreaming tonight I can do anything When I'm dreaming tonight I can go anywhere When I'm dreaming tonight I can be anyone So don't wake me up, don't wake me up
The chorus repeats the singer's desire to escape reality and revel in their dreams and fantasies. They feel empowered and limitless in their dreams and fear being woken up and forced back into reality.

Level it up Delete my history Choose how you see me And the future's easy Level it up In here I'm winning Defeat the big boss Game over, your loss
The singer describes their desire to control how others see them, erase past mistakes, and create a new, idealized version of themselves. They reference video game language to express the sense of control and power they feel in this world of their own creation.

Feeling like This ain't life I'm choosing fiction Oh, whoa, oh, whoa Call it faith, call it fate The fantasy is the same
Again, the singer emphasizes their belief that reality is not fulfilling and that the only way to be happy is to exist in their fantasy world. They choose to believe that this is their predetermined fate or destiny that they must fulfill.

Hope I never wake up I never get tired No, no, no, no, no No, no, no, no, no When I'm dreaming tonight I can do anything When I'm dreaming tonight I can go anywhere When I'm dreaming tonight I can be anyone Don't wake me up, don't wake me up
The singer expresses their desire to never leave their dream world where they feel alive and invigorated. They refuse to allow anything to break this perfect reality that they have created for themselves.