Trouble With Dreams
Eels; Mark Oliver Everett Lyrics
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More than get alone and be with you
Trouble with dreams is they don't come true
And when they do they can't catch up to you
You don't need a thing from me
But I need something big from you
'Cause you know I've got an awful lot of big dreams
I'm walking down a lonely road
Clear to me now but I was never told
Trouble with dreams is you never know
When to hold on and when to let go
If you let me down it's alright
At least that leaves something for me
'Cause you know I've got an awful lot of big dreams
This is the life that I must lead now
Crossing fingers and wiping brow
Trouble with dreams is you can't pretend
Something with no beginning has no end
You don't need a thing from me
But I need something big from you
'Cause you know I've got an awful lot of big dreams
In "Trouble With Dreams," Mark Oliver Everett, also known as Eels, reveals his insecurities and struggles with achieving his dreams. He begins the song by expressing his desire to be alone with someone special, but acknowledges the inherent problem with dreams - they often don't come true. When they do come true, they frequently fall short of our expectations. He acknowledges that he has many big dreams and desires something significant from the other person.
As the song progresses, Everett describes his journey alone on a lonely road, which is now clear to him, but was not illuminated before. He recognizes that the trouble with dreams is that one can never predict when to hold on or when to let go. He tells his listener that it's okay if they let him down since that would give him something to strive for, given his propensity for pursuing large dreams. The song concludes with Everett acknowledging the difficulties of living with constant dreams and goals that have no set beginning point or ending.
"Trouble with Dreams" is an emotionally candid song that stresses the importance of having achievable dreams and minimizing unrealistic expectations. Everett alludes to the fact that his singular focus on realizing his aspirations has led him to an isolated place. Despite this, he recognizes that his intense dream life is a critical aspect of his character.
Line by Line Meaning
There's nothing that I want to do
I have no desire to do anything else
More than get alone and be with you
Except for being with you, which is my top priority
Trouble with dreams is they don't come true
The unfortunate aspect of dreams is that they often do not become a reality
And when they do they can't catch up to you
Even if dreams are fulfilled, they may not bring the satisfaction or achievement one desired
You don't need a thing from me
I understand that you require nothing from me
But I need something big from you
However, I require something significant from you
'Cause you know I've got an awful lot of big dreams
I possess a multitude of grand aspirations that require your assistance
I'm walking down a lonely road
I am travelling alone on a desolate path
Clear to me now but I was never told
I have realized it now, but no one ever warned me
Trouble with dreams is you never know
The problematic aspect of dreams is that you can never be certain
When to hold on and when to let go
Whether to persevere or concede is a challenging decision in achieving a dream
If you let me down it's alright
I will be content even if you disillusion me
At least that leaves something for me
That disappointment may provide me with something constructive
'Cause you know I've got an awful lot of big dreams
Yet again emphasizing that I have many significant aspirations that require your help
This is the life that I must lead now
The life I am living currently is my only option
Crossing fingers and wiping brow
I am hoping for the best outcome while preparing for potential difficulty
Trouble with dreams is you can't pretend
Faking the accomplishment of a dream is impossible
Something with no beginning has no end
If a dream has no starting point, then it is impossible to complete or fulfill
You don't need a thing from me
Once again, recognizing that you require nothing from me
But I need something big from you
Emphasizing yet again that I require your assistance in achieving my major aspirations
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: MARK O. EVERETT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind