SWEET DREAMS
Mark Knopfler & Chet Atkins Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Every night, I go through
Why can't I forget you, and start my life anew --
Instead of having sweet dreams about you?
You don't love me, it's plain
I should know I'll never wear your ring
I should hate you, the whole night through
Sweet dreams of you
Things I know can't come true
Why can't I forget the past; start loving someone new --
Instead of having sweet dreams about you?
The lyrics of the song Sweet Dreams by Mark Knopfler and Chet Atkins convey a sense of unrequited love and the resulting agony of being unable to move on from a past relationship. The singer is tormented by sweet dreams of their former lover every night and wonders why they can't forget about them and move on with their life. The lyrics express a deep yearning for a new start and the hope that the singer will one day be able to love someone else, instead of being trapped in the past.
The use of the phrase "sweet dreams" in the lyrics is ironic, as typically the phrase connotes a positive and peaceful experience. However, in this case, the sweet dreams are actually causing the singer pain and sadness, as they are unable to escape the memories of their past love. The lyrics may be interpreted as a commentary on the difficulty of moving on from a past relationship and the lingering effects that it can have on a person.
Overall, Sweet Dreams is a poignant ballad that beautifully captures the emotional turmoil of unrequited love, heartbreak and the hope for a brighter future.
Line by Line Meaning
Sweet dreams of you
I keep having dreams about you every night
Every night, I go through
I experience these dreams every night
Why can't I forget you, and start my life anew --
I wish I could move on from you and start fresh
Instead of having sweet dreams about you?
Instead of constantly dreaming about you
You don't love me, it's plain
I know for sure you don't love me
I should know I'll never wear your ring
I understand we'll never have a future together
I should hate you, the whole night through
I should be angry with you and not let you consume my thoughts
Instead of having sweet dreams about you
Instead of dreaming about you all the time
Things I know can't come true
I realize some things between us can never happen
Why can't I forget the past; start loving someone new --
I wish I could move on from our relationship and find love with someone else
Instead of having sweet dreams about you?
Instead of constantly dreaming about you
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Don Gibson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind