Sweet Dreams
Cockney Rebel Lyrics


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Pop paper people printing rebel insane
They in my head and digging into my brain
I need umbrella to keep out the rain
I can't hope to keep the pace I have made
Maybe I'll settle in the country and fade

It's all too much for me to handle with ease
I'm sinking fast- I'll soon be down on my knees
Dreams of loretta and lorraine and louise
I can't hope to be the devil-may-care
Maybe I'll settle with you all in my hair

Broke three fingers last night
Ain't got the energy to fight
They tell me everyfhing's gonna be all right




I can't dope to do more than my best
It's so easy. this is really no test!

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Cockney Rebel's Sweet Dreams express the singer's struggle with the pressures of fame and the feeling of being powerless against the constant attention of the media and his fans. The opening line, "Pop paper people printing rebel insane," refers to the tabloids creating sensational headlines about the singer's behavior and mental state. The second line, "They in my head and digging into my brain," highlights the singer's feeling of being invaded and intruded upon.


The third line, "I need umbrella to keep out the rain," serves as a metaphor for the singer's need for protection from the negative attention and scrutiny he receives. The following line, "I can't hope to keep the pace I have made," conveys the overwhelming feeling of pressure to constantly live up to the standards and expectations set by his success.


The chorus expresses the singer's longing for a simpler life and the desire to escape from the stress of his current situation. The mention of Loretta, Lorraine, and Louise may represent different women who have impacted the singer's life and are symbolic of his desire to return to a more innocent time. In the final verse, the singer appears exhausted and defeated, confessing his physical and emotional exhaustion and his need to just do his best without any added pressure.


Overall, Sweet Dreams encapsulates the struggle of artists in the limelight, facing the constant attention of the media and the public while trying to maintain their sanity and artistic integrity.


Line by Line Meaning

Pop paper people printing rebel insane
The mass media is manipulating and driving the artist insane


They in my head and digging into my brain
The media is infiltrating his mind and causing damage


I need umbrella to keep out the rain
He needs protection from the negative impact of media influence


I can't hope to keep the pace I have made
He can't maintain the level of productivity and success he has achieved


Maybe I'll settle in the country and fade
He is contemplating giving up his career and retreating from the public eye


It's all too much for me to handle with ease
The pressure and stress of fame and media attention is overwhelming


I'm sinking fast- I'll soon be down on my knees
He is struggling to cope and may soon suffer a breakdown


Dreams of loretta and lorraine and louise
He is haunted by memories of past relationships


I can't hope to be the devil-may-care
He can't maintain a carefree attitude and lifestyle


Maybe I'll settle with you all in my hair
He may seek comfort and support from those close to him


Broke three fingers last night
He suffered a physical injury


Ain't got the energy to fight
He is too tired and demotivated to struggle


They tell me everyfhing's gonna be all right
Others are trying to assure him that things will improve


I can't dope to do more than my best
He can't do anything more than give his all


It's so easy. this is really no test!
He is trying to convince himself that things are not as difficult as they seem




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: STEVE HARLEY

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Philip Kilmartin


on Rock and Roll Parade

it took me two years to build, oh lord you know how I tried

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