Mike & The Mechanics debuted with their stellar eponymous album in 1985 which highlighted Rutherford's innovative guitar work and the vocal talents of the two Pauls, amongst other guest vocalists. Initially, the group's albums were released between Genesis albums, all three Genesis members having solo projects of their own, most notable in the huge chart success of singer/drummer Phil Collins. This ended with the disbanding of Genesis in 1998.
The classic song "The Living Years" from the album of the same name was to be the height of their critical success to date; the #1 single was written by and about the dissension between singer BA Robertson and his father, a situation that was never rectified prior to his father's death, sung with great passion by Carrack. The album also featured the song "Nobody's Perfect" which received considerable airtime as the music to a successful television advertising campaign for Tennants bitter. Their third album "Word of Mouth" followed in 1991 with less commercial and critical success although the lead single, with vocals by Paul Young, reached the Top 20. The fourth album "Beggar On a Beach of Gold" was a high watermark in the quality of their material, with both the album and first single "Over My Shoulder" charting well with many considering the album the band's best work.
After a hiatus following Young's death from a heart attack on July 17, 2000, the band reformed in 2004 as Mike & the Mechanics featuring Paul Carrack releasing the album "Rewired".
A new Mike & the Mechanics album (titled "The Road") was released in the spring of 2011, supported by a 22-date UK tour. Replacing Carrack and Young as vocalists for the group are Andrew Roachford and Canadian actor/singer Tim Hower.
Look Across At Dreamland
Mike & The Mechanics Lyrics
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Can you see the light
Look in the reflection
For something bright
Look up to the heavens
Can you see the stars?
You know you're here
But don't know who you are
Look across at dreamland
Tell me what you see
Can you see the river
Flowing free?
Gaze upon the water
Can you see the truth?
You know it's here
But don't know if it's you
You may be someone
Who's needing someone to love
To love
Look across at dreamland
Can you see yourself?
Can you tell there's magic
With someone else?
Look up to the heavens
That's the mystery
It's up there, it's here
With you and me
If you're with someone
Who gives you someone to love
To love
Look across at dreamland
Can you see the stars?
You know you're here
But don't know who you are
Look across at dreamland
Can you see the stars?
You know you're here
But don't know who you are
The song "Look Across at Dreamland" by Mike & The Mechanics explores the idea of introspection and self-discovery. The lyrics urge the listener to look beyond themselves and their mundane daily routines and reflect on their lives. The song starts with the question, "Look across at dreamland, can you see the light?" which sets the tone for the rest of the song, as it encourages the listener to imagine a better reality beyond their immediate surroundings.
The refrain "You know you're here, but don't know who you are" is repeated twice in the song, emphasizing the theme of existential questioning. The song then shifts towards the importance of love and relationships, as indicated in the lines "You may be someone who's needing someone to love" and "If you're with someone who gives you someone to love." The lyrics suggest that understanding one's identity and finding love are interconnected.
The song's chorus is also significant, as it references the power of the stars and the universe. The lines "Look up to the heavens, can you see the stars?" and "It's up there, it's here, with you and me" imply that the cosmos represents something greater than the individual. The song can be interpreted as a call for the listener to look beyond themselves and their immediate surroundings and connect with something larger.
Line by Line Meaning
Look across at dreamland
Take a glance at the world of your dreams
Can you see the light
Are you able to identify the brightness?
Look in the reflection
Have a look at your own reflection
For something bright
In order to find something brilliant
Look up to the heavens
Gaze upwards at the sky
Can you see the stars?
Are you able to spot the twinkling stars?
You know you're here
You're aware that you exist
But don't know who you are
But you're unsure of your identity
Tell me what you see
Let me know what you observe
Can you see the river
Are you able to identify the river?
Flowing free?
Streaming unrestrictedly?
Gaze upon the water
Look closely at the water
Can you see the truth?
Are you able to perceive the truth?
You know it's here
You're aware that it exists
But don't know if it's you
But you're unsure if it's related to you
You may be someone
It's possible that you're someone
Who's needing someone to love
Who requires someone to love
Can you see yourself?
Are you able to view yourself?
Can you tell there's magic
Can you discern the presence of magic
With someone else?
With someone else accompanying you?
That's the mystery
That's the enigma
It's up there, it's here
It's both in the sky and on earth
With you and me
With you and me both
If you're with someone
In case you're together with someone
Who gives you someone to love
Who provides you another person to love
Can you see the stars?
Are you able to spot the twinkling stars?
You know you're here
You're aware that you exist
But don't know who you are
But you're uncertain about your identity
Contributed by Gabriella V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
elaine ryan
What a beautiful voice, God bless him.
George Taylor
The wonderful voice of the best vocalist EVER RIP YOUNGY
Secret Squirrel
This is such a lovely song and sung by a wonderful man. Bless you Paul Young
john doe
Floods of tears running down my face and I am not afraid to admit it , miss this guys singing voice so much RIP the man upstairs took you far to early . Paul .
MrJoseppie123
A very good tribute to a wonderful singer & musician. He will be missed so much. RIP Paul Young. A true legend
MezMezMez1
What a great voice! So sad that he passed away at a young age.
George Taylor
YOUNGY WAS THE BEST the complete entertainer and the ultimate professional RIP PAUL
leitemagal
Wonderful song. Thanks Mike Rutherford for this composition. It reminds me how good was Paul Young.
Roger Richards
A fabulous song from a great set of musicians,and one of my personal favourits.RIP Paul
Shaun Kelly
NEVER FORGET PAUL YOUNG . WHAT A VOICE, WHAT A GENTLEMAN, CELEBRATE HIM WITH THIS BEAUTIFUL VOCAL AND FANTASTIC SONG AS ONLY PAUL COULD DO.......