I Have A Dream
Joe Reisman and His Orchestra Lyrics

These poignant lyrics from the song "I Have a Dream" by Joe Reisman and His Orchestra touch upon themes of nostalgia, longing, and acceptance. The singer seems to be grappling with the memories of a past love that has ended, and the bittersweet realization that they may have to continue holding onto those memories in dreams. The opening lines suggest a sense of resignation as the singer acknowledges that if their partner cannot recall the affectionate moments shared in the past, they will have to rely on dreaming to cherish those memories.

The imagery of the singer's shoulder holding their partner's sleepy head evokes a sense of intimacy and tenderness that is now tinged with a sense of loss. The mention of honeymoon cruises and plans for a shared future in a one-room apartment highlights the dreams and aspirations that now seem out of reach. The realization that these aspirations must now be cherished in solitude through dreams underscores the loneliness and heartache the singer feels in the wake of the breakup.

The singer's acknowledgment that their partner's heart has "gone astray" suggests a betrayal or a change in feelings that they are struggling to come to terms with. Despite this heartbreaking realization, the singer declares their enduring love in a poignant statement that contrasts the reality of the situation with the depth of their feelings. The repetition of the phrase "I guess I'll have to dream the rest" throughout the song emphasizes the theme of retreating into dreams as a way to cope with the pain of loss and the disappointment of unfulfilled dreams.

The final lines speak to the sorrow of realizing that the happy moments they once shared will never be repeated, and yet there is a sense of gratitude for the time they did have together. The absence of celebratory friends and traditional gestures like throwing shoes and rice at a wedding signifies the absence of a future together, emphasizing the need to find solace in memories and dreams. Ultimately, the lyrics of "I Have a Dream" capture the complex emotions of moving on from a past love while still holding onto the hope and longing that reside in dreams of what could have been.