Lee grew up in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Cherry Hill, New Jersey, USA. He has been quoted as saying that he is fortunate to have seen different sides of life in America. Lee enrolled at the University of South Carolina in 1995. He began to play guitar and write songs seriously while he studied English. After graduating with an English degree, Lee moved back to Philadelphia to teach elementary school. He later made the tough decision to stop teaching in order to pursue a career in music. Shortly thereafter, he released a self-produced EP that featured five of his original songs, which did extremely well in Philadelphia and created a buzz. Norah Jones was the person who finally gave Lee his big breakthrough when she asked him to open for her 2004 tour. Lee then went on to produce his self-titled debut album. In March and April of 2005 Lee opened for the tour that Merle Haggard and Bob Dylan were both embarking on, all 3 performers were extremely well received by critics as the tour went by, with Dylan receiving some of his strongest reviews in years. On October 3, 2006, Lee released his second album, "Supply & Demand" to critical and commercial acclaim.
At the age of only 27, Amos Lee has enjoyed notable success with his debut album and looks to have a promising future in the music business. His favorite artists and sources of inspiration include Stevie Wonder, Neil Young, John Prine, Bill Withers, and James Taylor.
Dreamland
Amos Lee Lyrics
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Nothing's ever what it seems
You stumble around and you fall down
You think
It's everybody else's dream
Here in dreamland, everything's a broken line
You think it's you who's falling apart and everybody else is fine
Even when I can't stop shaking
Even when my heart is breaking
And I, I'm not afraid to dream
Even when I can't stop falling
Even when the light is calling
Dreamland
Faces without their eyes
Trying to hypnotize me
Trying to advertise me
Into dreamland
Sleep walking into walls
When I feel it tearing me down
That's when I hear my angel's calls
But I, I'm not afraid to dream
Even when I can't stop shaking
Even when my heart is breaking
And I, I'm not afraid to dream
Even when I can't stop falling
Even when the light is calling
Dreamland, here we go again
Feeling like a story doesn't have an end
I can't wake up even when I'm falling through the deepest blue
I keep on reaching out for you but you just listen to me scream
I'm not afraid to dream
Even when I can't stop shaking
Even when my heart is breaking
And I, I'm not afraid to dream
Even when I can't stop falling
Even when the light is calling
I'm not afraid
I'm not afraid
I'm not afraid
I'm not afraid
In the song "Dreamland" by Amos Lee, the lyrics delve into the notion that things are not always as they seem. The singer reflects on the trials and tribulations of life, feeling as though they are stumbling and falling while everyone else seems to be living their own perfect dream. The idea of "dreamland" symbolizes a place of illusion and deception, where nothing is truly authentic.
The lyrics express the internal struggle of the singer, who recognizes the brokenness and imperfections in their own life. They acknowledge that it may be easy to believe that they are the only ones falling apart while others have it all figured out. However, despite the difficulties they face, the singer remains unafraid to dream. They refuse to let fear paralyze them or prevent them from pursuing their dreams, even during times of insecurity and heartbreak.
The song also touches on the theme of manipulation and the pressure to conform. The faces without eyes symbolize those who try to control and influence the singer, attempting to hypnotize and advertise them into subscribing to their version of "dreamland." However, the singer resists being swayed by these external forces, finding solace in the calls of their own inner voice, represented as their angel. This angel serves as a reminder to stay true to oneself and not be led astray by the illusions of dreamland.
Line by Line Meaning
Dreamland
A metaphorical place where reality is distorted and things are not what they seem.
Nothing's ever what it seems
In Dreamland, everything appears different than it truly is.
You stumble around and you fall down
In this state of confusion, you struggle and make mistakes.
You think it's everybody else's dream
You believe that everyone else has a perfect life, while you are the one struggling.
Here in dreamland, everything's a broken line
In Dreamland, everything is fragmented and unreliable.
You think it's you who's falling apart and everybody else is fine
You feel like you are the one experiencing difficulties while others seem unaffected.
But I, I'm not afraid to dream
Despite the challenges and uncertainties, the singer remains unafraid to imagine a better future.
Even when I can't stop shaking
Even in moments of fear and instability, the singer continues to dream.
Even when my heart is breaking
Even in times of emotional pain, the singer doesn't shy away from dreaming.
Dreamland, Faces without their eyes
In Dreamland, people lack true emotions and genuine connections.
Trying to hypnotize me, Trying to advertise me
Others in Dreamland attempt to manipulate and control the singer's thoughts and actions.
Sleep walking into walls
In a state of complacency and unawareness, the singer repeatedly makes mistakes and encounters obstacles.
When I feel it tearing me down, That's when I hear my angel's calls
During moments of vulnerability and distress, the singer finds solace and guidance from their inner voice of wisdom.
Dreamland, here we go again
Returning to Dreamland implies a recurring cycle of being trapped in illusions and falsehoods.
Feeling like a story doesn't have an end
Every experience in Dreamland feels endless and lacks resolution.
I can't wake up even when I'm falling through the deepest blue
Despite being aware of the illusions, the singer remains trapped and unable to escape from Dreamland.
I keep on reaching out for you but you just listen to me scream
The singer seeks connection and understanding from others, but they are met with indifference and neglect.
I'm not afraid
The singer asserts their courage and resilience in the face of the challenges presented by Dreamland.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Jennifer Decilveo, Ryan Massaro
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind