City Of Dreams
Paul Oxley's Unit Lyrics
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Like a diamond it catches your eye
But there's nothing to do and nowhere to go.
City of dreams, is that all we were meant to do
Manufacture and worship you,
Palace of glass, no shadows at all.
I've got this feeling inside
That makes me rise with the tide
Calls me away from you...
City of dreams, in the light of the falling rain
Did I tell you I'm sorry I came
Now how do I keep from going insane
In my city of dreams...
CHORUS
City of dreams they have promised the world to you,
You have slaved and you've made it come true,
There is your goal, now what will you do
In your city of dreams.
The song "City of Dreams" by Paul Oxley's Unit is a critique of the modern capitalist society, particularly the city life. The title itself speaks volumes about the theme of the song – the city that appears as a dream, a utopia full of promises and opportunities. The singer describes the city as a shining "star in the Western sky" or a sparkling "diamond that catches your eye" but reality is far from the facade. He points out that there is nothing much to do there, and it is a mere manufacturing hub and a place of consumerism where people worship material objects. The metaphor "Palace of glass, no shadows at all," implies that everything is transparent, and there are no secrets; the city is soulless and devoid of genuine emotions.
The lyrics also reflect the singer's inner conflict as he struggles with his feelings about the city. He has a sense of restlessness and detachment from the city and its inhabitants, which is evident from the line, "I've got this feeling inside that makes me rise with the tide," and his desire to escape it, "And now it calls me away, calls me away from you." He feels sorry for coming to the city and now wonders, "how do I keep from going insane in my city of dreams." Ultimately, the song questions the price one pays for fulfilling their dreams in the city, whether it's worth it, or if it's empty aspirations that lead to a society devoid of human connections.
Line by Line Meaning
City of dreams, like a star in the Western sky,
The city of dreams is attractive and bright, shining like a star in the western sky.
Like a diamond it catches your eye
The city of dreams is like a diamond that sparkles and captures attention.
But there's nothing to do and nowhere to go.
However, there isn't much to do or places to go in the city of dreams despite its flashy exterior.
City of dreams, is that all we were meant to do
Is the city of dreams meant to only be a place for manufacturing and worshipping material possessions?
Manufacture and worship you,
The city of dreams is worshipped for its buildings and luxuries that are being produced.
Palace of glass, no shadows at all.
The city of dreams is bright and shiny like a palace made of glass that has no shadows, hiding the possible downsides.
I've got this feeling inside
The singer has a certain feeling within them that is difficult to ignore.
That makes me rise with the tide
This feeling is akin to the rising tide, powerful and hard to control.
And now it calls me away,
This feeling beckons the artist to go away from the city of dreams.
Calls me away from you...
This feeling calls the artist away from the city of dreams, which is personified as a person or a lover.
City of dreams, in the light of the falling rain
As rain is falling, the city of dreams is revealed in a different light or perspective.
Did I tell you I'm sorry I came
The artist questions whether they regret coming to the city of dreams or not.
Now how do I keep from going insane
The singer ponders how to keep their sanity after experiencing the city of dreams.
In my city of dreams...
The singer still regards the city of dreams as their city but also acknowledges its flaws.
City of dreams they have promised the world to you,
The city of dreams has made promises and raised expectations to its inhabitants.
You have slaved and you've made it come true,
The people have worked hard to turn the city of dreams into a reality.
There is your goal, now what will you do
Now that the people have reached their goal, what will they do next in the city of dreams?
In your city of dreams.
The people are still in their city of dreams despite questioning their place in it.
Contributed by Camden L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.