Illusion
Echosmith; Zedd Lyrics
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I really wanted these pages to begin
With once upon a time like all those lullabies
I should've known better
I'll admit it, I thought when I let you in
You were my shining knight from all those stories
This love is your illusion, this love is your illusion
I need a break from this broken-down fantasy
Show me a place I can realize love, not your illusion
It feels like the fairytale is over
I really wanted these pages to begin
With once upon a time like all those lullabies
I should've known better
I'll admit it, I thought when I let you in
You were my shining knight from all those stories
This love is your illusion, this love is your illusion
Take me to a place with real-life love
I need a break from this broken-down fantasy
Show me a place I can realize love, not your illusion
In this song, Echosmith and Zedd touch upon the concept of fairy tales and how they can give people, especially in relationships, unrealistic expectations. Throughout the song, the singer reminisces about when they first fell in love, and how they thought it was like a fairytale - with a happy ending guaranteed. But as time passed, they were left with only an illusion of love, not the real thing.
The lyrics specifically mention the phrase "shining knight" from those familiar stories, only to ultimately conclude that it was just a fantasy that they wanted to believe in. The singer recognizes that the love they once thought was real was actually just a mirage - not the love they needed or deserved.
The chorus of the song emphasizes the difference between fantasy and reality by pleading for someone to show them "a place I can realize love, not your illusion." The idea of being taken to a place with real-life love suggests that the singer is ready to move on from the fantasy they've been living in, and open themselves up to the possibility of genuine love.
Overall, "Illusion" is a song that speaks to the disillusionment that can come with believing in fairy tales and the dangers of falling in love with the idea of love rather than the person themselves.
Line by Line Meaning
It feels like the fairy tale is over
The dream-like relationship is coming to an end and reality has set in.
I really wanted these pages to begin
The singer was hopeful for a new chapter in their life and relationship.
With once upon a time like all those lullabies
The singer was expecting their relationship to have a fairy tale-like beginning, just like the stories they grew up with.
I should've known better
The artist admits to having been naive about the nature of the relationship.
I'll admit it, I thought when I let you in
The artist acknowledges that they had hoped their partner would be their knight in shining armor.
You were my shining knight from all those stories
The singer had hoped their partner would rescue them and sweep them off their feet, just like the fairy tales they grew up with.
This love is your illusion, this love is your illusion
The singer is coming to terms with the fact that their partner's love was never real, and was more like an illusion.
Take me to a place with real-life love
The artist wants to experience love in the real world, free from the unrealistic expectations of fairy tales.
I need a break from this broken-down fantasy
The artist is tired of the relationship feeling like a fantasy that has been shattered by reality.
Show me a place I can realize love, not your illusion
The artist wants to be in a relationship where love is real, not an illusion created by their partner.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: ANTON ZASLAVSKI, GEORGIA KU, JACOB LUTTRELL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind