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Everybody Has a Dream
Billy Joel Lyrics


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While in these days of quiet desperation
As I wander through the world in which I live
I search everywhere, for some new inspiration
But it's more than cold reality can give

If I need a cause for celebration
Or a comfort I can use to ease my mind
I rely on my imagination
And I dream of an imaginary time

[Chorus: ]
I know that everybody has a dream
Everybody has a dream
And this is my dream, my own
Just to be at home
And to be all alone...with you

If I believe in all the words I'm saying
And if a word from you can bring a better day
Then all I have are these games that I've been playing
To keep my hope from crumbling away

So let me lie and let me go on sleeping
And I will lose myself in palaces of sand
And all the fantasies that I have been keeping
Will make the empty hours easier to stand

[Chorus: ]

Everybody has a dream... (Repeat)

Overall Meaning

In Billy Joel's song "Everybody Has a Dream", he reflects on his search for inspiration and comfort in a world that often feels cold and overwhelming. Though he wanders through life in a state of quiet desperation, he knows that everyone has a dream, and he dreams of an imaginary time when he can be at home and all alone with someone special.


Throughout the song, Billy Joel grapples with feelings of isolation and despair, but he finds solace in his imagination. He knows that his dreams may be nothing more than games he plays to distract himself from reality, but he clings to them anyway, hoping that they will help him to keep his hope from crumbling away.


The chorus of the song emphasizes that everyone has a dream, and that this dream is personal and unique to each individual. Whether we dream of love, success, or simply a sense of belonging, our dreams are what keep us going in a world that can often feel overwhelming and confusing.


Overall, "Everybody Has a Dream" is a thoughtful and introspective song that speaks to the universal human experience of searching for meaning and purpose in life.


Line by Line Meaning

While in these days of quiet desperation
In this era where people are frustrated and lost, as I roam through my surroundings


As I wander through the world in which I live
During my journey in the actual world where I belong


I search everywhere, for some new inspiration
I look everywhere for something that can spark my creativity anew


But it's more than cold reality can give
But the harsh truth of reality is not enough to satisfy my yearnings


If I need a cause for celebration
Whenever I need something to feel happy about


Or a comfort I can use to ease my mind
Or something soothing to calm me down


I rely on my imagination
I turn to my own imagination


And I dream of an imaginary time
And I envision myself in a different world


I know that everybody has a dream
I am aware that each person has a unique goal or aspiration


And this is my dream, my own
And my wish is for me and me alone


Just to be at home
Simply to be in my own haven


And to be all alone...with you
And to share my solitude with the one I love


If I believe in all the words I'm saying
If I have faith in everything I express


And if a word from you can bring a better day
And if your words can brighten up my day


Then all I have are these games that I've been playing
Then the only things that keep me from feeling hopeless are the fantasies I create within myself


To keep my hope from crumbling away
To prevent myself from losing all my optimism


So let me lie and let me go on sleeping
So allow me to deceive myself and continue to sleep


And I will lose myself in palaces of sand
And I will drift off in illusions of grandeur


And all the fantasies that I have been keeping
And all the reveries I've been harboring


Will make the empty hours easier to stand
Will make the tedious moments more endurable


Everybody has a dream...
Each and every one has something they wish to achieve...




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BILLY JOEL

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

@haruhikogolimlim5320

While in these days of quiet desperation
As I wander through the world in which I live
I search everywhere for some new inspiration
But it's more than cold reality can give
If I need a cause for celebration
Or a comfort I can use to ease my mind
I rely on my imagination
And I dream of an imaginary time

I know that everybody has a dream
Everybody has a dream
And this is my dream, my own
Just to be at home
And to be all alone...with you

If I believe in all the words I'm saying
And if a word from you can bring a better day
Then all I have are these games that I've been playing
To keep my hope from crumbling away
So let me lie and let me go on sleeping
And I will lose myself in palaces of sand
And all the fantasies that I have been keeping
Will make the empty hours easier to stand

I know that everybody has a dream
Everybody has a dream
And this is my dream, my own
Just to be at home
And to be all alone...with you



@brianmiltonmatuankotta7235

Everybody Has a Dream

Billy Joel

While in these days of quiet desperation
As I wander through the world in which I live
I search everywhere, for some new inspiration
But it's more than cold reality can give

If I need a cause for celebration
Or a comfort I can use to ease my mind
I rely on my imagination
And I dream of an imaginary time

I know that everybody has a dream
Everybody has a dream
And this is my dream, my own
Just to be at home
And to be all alone...with you

If I believe in all the words I'm saying
And if a word from you can bring a better day
Then all I have are these games that I've been playing
To keep my hope from crumbling away

So let me lie and let me go on sleeping
And I will lose myself in palaces of sand
And all the fantasies that I have been keeping
Will make the empty hours easier to stand

Everybody has a dream... (Repeat)



@avoicefromthedeepundergrou7108

While in these days of quiet desperation
As I wander through the world in which I live
I search everywhere for some new inspiration
But it's more than cold reality can give
If I need a cause for celebration
Or a comfort I can use to ease my mind
I rely on my imagination
And I dream of an imaginary time

Chorus
I know that everybody has a dream
Everybody has a dream
And this is my dream, my own
Just to be at home
And to be all alone... with you

If I believe in all the words I'm saying
And if a word from you can bring a better day
Then all I have are these games that I've been playing
To keep my hope from crumbling away
So let me lie and let me go on sleeping
And I will lose myself in palaces of sand
And all the fantasies that I have been keeping
Will make the empty hours easier to stand



All comments from YouTube:

@GREGGSOHO

Beautiful song, makes me feel humble, and makes me smile, thinking of the 20 something year old man. I am 51 now, and this brings me back. I remember the 20 year old guy, and I laugh. Where did the years go? I don't know, but I thank God I am still here, and I thank Billy Joel for ALL his great music... THANKS Mr.Joel

@shamrockrancher7673

GREGORY RUSSO Take a lap Russo.

@lcozzarelli

Shamrock Rancher If you are listening to this song, complete with its introspective/nostalgic lyrics, you might as well ‘take a lap’ yourself...I thought Mr. Russos comment was fitting, given the song. But then again, I just turned 50. :)

@janedolezal1635

Thank you for this... This wonderful insight, humble and true.

@mikemustang3791

@Green Acres Tractor Projects Billie the KId!!!! lol Billy

@derekmyers3258

I'm going to be 45 soon and I just laugh at that idea so hard. It's just comedy.

5 More Replies...

@margostephenson8214

I bought this album when I was 14 still love it. Billy Joel is a storyteller. To me this is best work.

@TheMedicalReptile

This is one of Billy's most underrated songs of his career. It's one of my two favorites along with You're Only Human

@Espmass1

I have a different...other favorite song... Until the night

@pfmaple2176

And VIENNA! :)

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