A Dream
Keb Darge & Paul Weller Lyrics

In the lyrics of "A Dream" by Keb Darge & Paul Weller, the singer reflects on their experiences and emotions regarding dreams and reality. The opening lines convey a sense of nostalgia and innocence as the singer recalls sitting alone with the dreams of children, symbolized by images of weeping willows and tall dark buildings. They express a longing for the simplicity and purity found in the dreams of children, contrasting it with the harshness of their current reality, which is described as a "modern nightmare" that leaves them feeling isolated and alone.

As the lyrics progress, the singer continues to contrast the optimism and hope they find in the dreams of children with the bleakness and despair of their everyday life. Despite glimpses of positivity and happy visions, they find themselves waking up to a "grey and lonely picture," with the streets below making them feel "dirty." The recurring refrain of being alone emphasizes the sense of isolation and disconnection the singer feels, highlighting a deep emotional struggle between their dreams and the harshness of reality.

The chorus introduces a sense of impending doom, with the repeated warning that "something's gonna crack on your dreams tonight." This line suggests a forthcoming moment of reckoning or disillusionment, where the singer's cherished dreams may be shattered or disrupted in some way. The repetition of this warning underscores the inevitability of this event, creating a sense of tension and unease throughout the song.

In the final verses, the singer expresses a deep emotional attachment to the dreams of children, seeing them as a source of love and happiness. However, they are consistently brought back to the jarring contrast with their present reality, where they wake up sweating from the modern nightmare that surrounds them. The haunting repetition of being alone further emphasizes the emotional isolation and turmoil the singer experiences, ultimately leading to a conclusion where the inevitability of cracking on their dreams is acknowledged and accepted. The lyrics paint a poignant picture of the inner conflict between idealized dreams and harsh reality, capturing the complexities of human emotions and the struggle to find meaning and connection in a challenging world.