SWEET DREAMS
Bat for Lashes Lyrics

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Sweet dreams are made of this
Who am I to disagree?
I travel the world and the seven seas
Everybody's lookin' for somethin'.

Some of them want to use you
Some of them want to get used by you
Some of them want to abuse you

Some of them want to be abused

(hold your head up)
(keep your head up)
Movin' on.
(hold your head up)
Movin' on.
(keep your head up)
Movin' on.
(hold your head up)
Movin' on.
(keep your head up)
Movin' on.
(hold your head up)
Movin' on.
(keep your head up)

Some of them want to use you.
Some of them want to get used by you.
Some of them want to abuse you.
Some of them want to be abused.

(hold your head up)
(keep your head up)
Movin' on.
(hold your head up)
Movin' on.
(keep your head up)
Movin' on.
(hold your head up)
Movin' on.
(keep your head up)
Movin' on.
(hold your head up)
Movin' on.
(keep your head up)

Overall Meaning

The song "Sweet Dreams" by Bat for Lashes is a cover of the iconic Eurythmics song. However, Bat for Lashes puts a unique twist on the song with her own haunting, slow-paced rendition. The opening lines of the song, "Sweet dreams are made of this, who am I to disagree?" can be interpreted in a few ways. It could be taken as advice to the listener to follow their dreams and not let anyone tell them otherwise. Alternatively, it could be an apathetic attitude from the singer towards the dreams and ambitions of others. The line "I travel the world and the seven seas" suggests that the singer is well-traveled and has seen a lot, which gives them a sense of authority on the subject of dreams and what people are seeking.

The chorus repeats the idea that people are looking for something, and the verses give examples of what some people want. "Some of them want to use you, some of them want to get used by you, some of them want to abuse you, some of them want to be abused" suggests that people have different motives for interacting with each other. Some seek power, others seek to be taken advantage of, and some are just interested in mutual harm. The lyrics urge the listener to "hold your head up" and "keep movin' on," a message of resilience against those who seek to harm or take advantage of them.

Line by Line Meaning

Sweet dreams are made of this
The idea of achieving what one desires can feel like a sweet dream

Who am I to disagree?
The singer questions their right to disagree with the idea of sweet dreams

I travel the world and the seven seas
The singer has traveled far and wide in pursuit of their dreams

Everybody's lookin' for somethin'.
Everyone has a desire or need they wish to fulfill

Some of them want to use you
Some people may try to take advantage of others to fulfill their desires

Some of them want to get used by you
Others are willing to be used by someone else to achieve their own desires

Some of them want to abuse you
Some people may be cruel or harmful in their efforts to fulfill their desires

Some of them want to be abused
Some may seek out harmful treatment because they feel they deserve it or are used to it