Dreams From Yesterday
Mac DeMarco Lyrics


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Once your dreams
Come knocking at your door
It's time to realize
You aren't dreaming anymore
And once your life, is set to settle down
Take a look around you
No more dreaming to be found
So why then, are you crying?
It was you
Who denied them
And no amount of tears
Could roll back all the years
Bring back all your dreams from yesterday

Once a life, believes it's got it set up
A closer look reveals
Just how empty you can feel
Once a dream
Is finally put to bed
Rest up sleepy head
Might as well be dead

So why then, are you crying?
It was you
Who denied them
And no amount of tears




Could roll back all the years
Bring back all your dreams from yesterday

Overall Meaning

Mac DeMarco's "Dreams From Yesterday" talks about the regret and the ultimate failure that comes with ignoring one's dreams. The lyrics suggest that when you finally get what you always wanted, life falls short and you realize that it was not what you truly envisioned for yourself. The song begins with the line "Once your dreams come knocking at your door," suggesting that when the opportunity arrives to fulfill one's aspirations, they must take it. If not, it leads to a life that's unfulfilling and not true to one's identity.


The verse "Once a dream is finally put to bed, rest up sleepy head, might as well be dead" speaks to the feeling of emptiness that comes when individuals ultimately let their aspirations die. It suggests that settling for a life that's not what you want breeds dreariness and hopelessness. The main refrain "So why then, are you crying? It was you who denied them, and no amount of tears could roll back all the years. Bring back all your dreams from yesterday" serves as a call to those who have put their dreams to bed. It acknowledges the possibility of second chances but also conveys that some opportunities can be lost forever.


Line by Line Meaning

Once your dreams
When you have aspirations or goals in your mind


Come knocking at your door
When these ambitions seem to be within reach


It's time to realize
It would be beneficial to acknowledge the opportunities that present themselves


You aren't dreaming anymore
It is actually happening, and not just a wishful thought


And once your life, is set to settle down
When you believe everything is coming together


Take a look around you
Step back and observe your surroundings


No more dreaming to be found
There is no longer a need to wish for circumstances to improve


So why then, are you crying?
Why are you upset?


It was you
You alone


Who denied them
Who chose not to pursue those ambitions


And no amount of tears
Crying will not change the situation


Could roll back all the years
It cannot undo what has already happened


Bring back all your dreams from yesterday
Reverse the decision to abandon your goals and aspirations


Once a life, believes it's got it set up
When someone thinks they have everything figured out


A closer look reveals
Upon further examination


Just how empty you can feel
It becomes apparent how unsatisfactory life can be


Once a dream
When an ambition is almost fulfilled


Is finally put to bed
When the opportunity has passed and it's no longer possible to achieve it


Rest up sleepy head
Take some time to refocus and rejuvenate


Might as well be dead
It is pointless and unfulfilling




Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Macbriare Samuel Lanyon Demarco

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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