Until OMD's reformation in 2010, Dreaming was the last single to feature the group's original line-up; lead singer Andy McCluskey was the only core member to appear on their 1991–1996 output. McCluskey performed the song live during the 1990s when Humphreys was no longer in the group.
Dreaming
Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
but ever since I met you, child, you've made my life such hell.
With ev'ry day that passes, I fall nearer to the ground.
It seems that I've been looking for something that won't be found.
I was only dreaming;
I was only try'n' to catch your eye.
I was only wishing you would notice me; instead you said goodbye.
Could this be the new answer then to all the dreams we've made?
Could there be some solution, please, to rid me of this craze?
But ev'ry single second that you hold me in your arms.
you build me up, you raise me up, you kill me with your charms.
I was only dreaming;
I was only try'n' to catch your eye.
I was only wishing you would notice me; instead you said goodbye.
(Try'n' to catch your eye.)
Won't you stay here tonight?
Won't you make these feelings last?
Can't we start this all again?
Would that be too much to ask?
I was only dreaming;
I was only try'n' to catch your eye.
I was only wishing you would notice me; instead you said goodbye.
I was only dreaming;
I was only try'n' to catch your eye.
I was only wishing you would notice me; instead you said goodbye.
The lyrics to Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark's song "Dreaming" tell a story of unrequited love and the pain that comes with it. The singer is infatuated with someone who doesn't reciprocate their feelings. They use the metaphor of heaven and hell to describe the extreme emotions they are experiencing. If the person they love was born in heaven, it would make sense that they wouldn't feel the same way back. However, since they are on earth, their rejection is torturous.
The singer is desperate for the attention of the person they love, but their advances are met with indifference. They express their frustration with the search for something that won't be found. This line represents the singer's longing for a love that will never exist, and their resignation to reality. The chorus repeats the phrase "I was only" several times indicating a sense of helplessness and hopelessness. The singer realizes that their attempts to catch the other person's eye and make them notice are futile.
The bridge shifts the tone of the song from heartbreak and frustration to pleading. The singer begs the person they love to stay with them, to make the night last. They ask for a chance to start over and make things right. However, the lyrics suggest that this plea will go unanswered, and the singer will be left alone with their unrequited love.
Line by Line Meaning
If you were born in heaven girl
If you were perfect and flawless
I'd understand so well
I wouldn't be surprised by your excellence
But ever since I've met you child
Since I met you
You've made my life such hell
You've made my life difficult and painful
With every day that passes
As time goes by
I fall nearer to the ground
I become more hopeless
It seems that I've been looking for
I've been searching for
Something that won't be found
Something unattainable
I was only Dreaming
My thoughts were only imaginary
I was only trying to catch your eye
I was attempting to get your attention
I was only wishing you would notice me
I was hoping you would acknowledge me
Instead you said goodbye
Instead, you left me
Could this be the new answer then
Is this the new solution?
To all the dreams we've made
To all our aspirations
Could there be some solution please
Is there a method to resolve this?
To rid me of this grace
To remove the undeserved kindness you show me
But every single second that you held me in your arms
But every moment we spent together
You build me up
You gave me confidence
You raise me up
You made me feel better
You kill me with your charms
You cause my downfall with your attractive qualities
Would you stay with me tonight
Will you spend the night with me?
Won't you make these feelings last
Please prolong these emotions
Can we start this all again
Can we reset our relationship?
Would that be just to much to ask
Would it be unreasonable to request?
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: PAUL DAVID HUMPHREYS, ANDREW MC CLUSKEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@LeticiaSierra
If you were born in heaven girl
I'd understand so well
But ever since I've met you child
You've made my life such hell
With every day that passes
I fall nearer to the ground
It seems that I've been looking for
Something that won't be found
I was only Dreaming
I was only trying to catch your eye
I was only wishing you would notice me
Instead you said goodbye
Could this be the new answer then
To all the dreams we've made
Could there be some solution please
To rid me of this grace
But every single second that you held me in your arms
You build me up
You raise me up
You kill me with your charms
Refrain
Would you stay with me tonight
Won't you make these feelings last
Can we start this all again
Would that be just to much to ask
Refrain
@rlopezosorio1975
If you were born in heaven girl
I'd understand so well
But ever since I've met you child
You've made my life such hell
With every day that passes
I fall nearer to the ground
It seems that I've been looking for
Something that won't be found
I was only dreaming
I was only trying to catch your eye
I was only wishing you would notice me
Instead you said goodbye
Could this be the new answer then
To all the dreams we've made?
Could there be some solution please
To rid me of disgrace?
But every single second that you held me in your arms
You build me up
You raise me up
You kill me with your charms
I was only dreaming
I was only trying to catch your eye
I was only wishing you would notice me
Instead you said goodbye
Would you stay with me tonight?
Won't you make these feelings last?
Can we start this all again?
Would that be just too much to ask?
I was only dreaming
I was only trying to catch your eye
I was only wishing you would notice me
Instead you said goodbye
I was only dreaming
I was only trying to catch your eye
I was only wishing you would notice me
Instead you said goodbye
@EngelbertCastro-vq8vt
Its march 11, 2024 and im still listening, took me back in time....
@mariagarza3448
We were so young. 2024 ❤
@ProjectScytheVII
Instantly! 💯
@KevinWundaman
The producers of Friday the 13th used this song to announce the addition of Sasha Graham to the cast of the upcoming movie
@hooprmoto5669
This song always makes me happy whenever i hear it. For some reason
@WarehouseSiouxFalls
Me too!
@photoshoott2022
Oh man, we loved them, loved their music and 80s was the best era in music. This is just a proof that great music is timeless and ageless, and now, still listening to this song and their music with so much joy. I just turned 57 and the music is only getting better, from the 80s, because I appreciate it even more now than I have when I didn't realize it was the best era and such. Loved it and love it.
@faviolaberenicelopezsauced3768
Totally agree 👍
@djgushremixtanjaymobilesou1436
Agree
@jt.8144
Here's to good health both in body and mind. STAY FIT! Truly Grateful and Blessed above all!