Life's a Dream
Built to Spill Lyrics


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Dusk 'till dawn, but it feels so dark 'till then
Drowns you out, so you can't be too surreal
Common bonds, and fill me up with me
Everybody in this world is just like me
So what
Grow on

Life ain't nothin' but a dream
Realistic as it seems

Sounds like fear
Thinking there might be a cure
Waste your life, but you don't know what it's worth
Comb your mind for the treasures of the soul
Too close to find anything outside yourself
So what
Grow on

Life ain't nothin' but a dream
Realistic as it seems

Miles 'till dawn, but it feels so dark 'till then
Drowns you out, but you can't be too certain
Common bonds, and fill me up with me
Everybody in this world is just like me
And so what
Grow on





Life ain't nothin' but a dream
Realistic as it seems

Overall Meaning

The song "Life's a Dream" by Built to Spill is a reflection on the transient nature of life and the search for meaning in a chaotic world. The opening line "Dusk 'till dawn, but it feels so dark 'till then" suggests that life can be a long, tiring journey that can feel overwhelming and daunting. The line "Drowns you out, so you can't be too surreal" may suggest that in order to survive in this world, one can't become too caught up in their own dreams or fantasies, as they risk losing a grip on reality. The chorus "Life ain't nothin' but a dream, realistic as it seems" echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the idea that life is fleeting and ultimately, may not be what it initially appears to be.


The second verse explores the fear of wasting one's life and not knowing its true value. The line "Waste your life, but you don't know what it's worth" suggests the fear of not living up to one's potential and regretting the time that may have been wasted. The final lines of the song "Everybody in this world is just like me, and so what, grow on" imply that despite the fears and uncertainties surrounding life, ultimately, we're all in this together and must continue to push forward.


Overall, "Life's a Dream" presents a complex and thought-provoking commentary on the nature of life and the struggle to find meaning and fulfillment.


Line by Line Meaning

Dusk 'till dawn, but it feels so dark 'till then
The passage of time can seem meaningless and empty until the morning light pierces through.


Drowns you out, so you can't be too surreal
The world can be overwhelming and suppress individuality, making it difficult to express or explore alternative ways of being.


Common bonds, and fill me up with me
Shared experiences and connections with others can provide a sense of self and belonging.


Everybody in this world is just like me
Despite differences in circumstances or appearance, all people share a common humanity and similar struggles.


So what
In the grand scheme of things, many stresses or concerns can seem insignificant or unimportant.


Grow on
Continue living and evolving even in the face of adversity.


Life ain't nothin' but a dream
The fleeting nature of existence can make it feel like an illusory or surreal experience.


Realistic as it seems
Despite the surreal nature of life, it is still grounded in tangible realities and experiences.


Sounds like fear
The possibility of change or taking risks can induce anxiety or uncertainty.


Thinking there might be a cure
Despite the challenges faced in life, there is always hope for a resolution or improvement in circumstances.


Waste your life, but you don't know what it's worth
Without exploring oneself or the world around them, a person may never fully comprehend the value or potential of their life.


Comb your mind for the treasures of the soul
Through introspection and reflection, one can discover the meaningful aspects of their being and existence.


Too close to find anything outside yourself
When focused solely on oneself and immediate surroundings, it can be difficult to see the larger picture or possibilities that lie beyond.


Miles 'till dawn, but it feels so dark 'till then
The journey towards something positive or hopeful can seem daunting or impossible until it is finally reached.


Drowns you out, but you can't be too certain
Despite the overwhelming nature of reality, one cannot be completely detached or unemotional towards it.


And so what
Once again highlighting the insignificance of many potential worries or concerns.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: PAUL JOHN TUCKER

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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