Don't Dream It's Over
Paul Young Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

There is freedom within, there is freedom without
Try to catch the deluge in a paper cup
There's a battle ahead, many battles are lost
But you'll never see the end of the road
While you're traveling with me

Hey now, hey now
Don't dream it's over
Hey now, hey now
When the world comes in
They come, they come
To build a wall between us
We know they won't win

Now I'm towing my car, there's a hole in the roof
My possessions are causing me suspicion but there's no proof
In the paper today tales of war and of waste
But you turn right over to the T.V. page

Hey now, hey now
Don't dream it's over
Hey now, hey now
When the world comes in
They come, they come
To build a wall between us
We know they won't win

Now I'm walking again to the beat of a drum
And I'm counting the steps to the door of your heart
Only shadows ahead barely clearing the roof
Get to know the feeling of liberation and release

Hey now, hey now
Don't dream it's over
Hey now, hey now
When the world comes in
They come, they come
To build a wall between us
We know they won't win

Don't let them win (hey now, hey now, hey now, hey now)
Hey now, hey now




Don't let them win (they come, they come)
Don't let them win (hey now, hey now, hey now, hey now)

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Paul Young's song "Don't Dream It's Over" can be interpreted in different ways, but the message of the song has a clear theme of hope despite the challenges and adversities that one may face. The opening line, "There is freedom within, there is freedom without" suggests that there is a degree of control in one's life, despite external circumstances. However, the line "try to catch the deluge in a paper cup" reminds us that this control is limited, like trying to contain the vast and overwhelming forces of nature with something as flimsy as a paper cup.


The chorus of the song, which repeats the phrase "Hey now, hey now, don't dream it's over" is a call to perseverance and resilience. It acknowledges that there are forces in the world that seek to separate and divide us, but the line "we know they won't win" is a declaration of defiance and faith in the power of connection and unity, even in the face of division.


The second verse includes references to personal struggles and anxieties, as the singer describes suspicions about their possessions and the distractions of media. But the image of walking to the beat of a drum, with only shadows that are "barely clearing the roof" suggests a journey towards something better, a path towards a brighter future.


Overall, the message of "Don't Dream It's Over" is one of hope, tenacity, and the importance of connection and community in the face of adversity.


Line by Line Meaning

There is freedom within, there is freedom without
There is both internal and external freedom that exists, allowing for choice and autonomy


Try to catch the deluge in a paper cup
Attempting to contain or control something that cannot be contained or controlled


There's a battle ahead, many battles are lost
The future is uncertain and there will be obstacles along the way


But you'll never see the end of the road
There will always be challenges, but life is a journey with no ultimate destination


While you're traveling with me
I'm here for support and companionship


Hey now, hey now
Wake up, pay attention


Don't dream it's over
Don't give up hope or lose sight of aspiration


When the world comes in
When the reality and stress of daily life sets in


They come, they come
External pressures can create division and detract from internal strengths


To build a wall between us
Attempting to drive a wedge and divide people


We know they won't win
Despite these external pressures, they will not ultimately prevail


Now I'm towing my car, there's a hole in the roof
The journey can be difficult and imperfect


My possessions are causing me suspicion but there's no proof
Obsessing over material possessions can be unfulfilling and misguided


In the paper today tales of war and of waste
News media often focuses on negative, depressing stories


But you turn right over to the T.V. page
Turning to other forms of escapism to avoid facing reality


Now I'm walking again to the beat of a drum
Finding motivation and purpose to keep moving forward


And I'm counting the steps to the door of your heart
Working to build a strong emotional connection with someone


Only shadows ahead barely clearing the roof
The future is uncertain and unclear


Get to know the feeling of liberation and release
Experience the freedom that comes from letting go and moving forward


Don't let them win (hey now, hey now, hey now, hey now)
Don't give up the battle against external pressures


Don't let them win (they come, they come)
Stand strong against adversity and division


Don't let them win (hey now, hey now, hey now, hey now)
Remain vigilant and resilient




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Neil Finn

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found
Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@jorgegarciagarcia7220

There is freedom within
there is freedom without
Try to catch a deluge in a paper cup
There's a battle ahead
many battles are lost
But you'll never see the end of the road
While you're traveling with me

Hey now, hey now
Don't dream it's over
Hey now, hey now
When the world comes in
They come, they come
To build a wall between us
We know they won't win

Now I'm towing my car
there's a hole in the roof
my possessions are causing me suspicion but there's no proof
in the paper today
tales of war and of waste
but you turn right over to the T.V. page

Hey now, hey now
Don't dream it's over
Hey now, hey now
When the world comes in
They come, they come
To build a wall between us
We know they won't win

Now I'm walking again
to the beat of a drum
And I'm counting the steps to the door of your heart
Only shadows ahead
barely clearing the roof
Get to know the feeling of liberation and relief

Hey now, Hey now
Don't dream it's over
Hey now, Hey now
When the world comes in
They come, they come
To build a wall between us
You know they won't win

Don't let them win
Hey now, Hey now

Hey now, Hey now

Hey now, Hey now
Don't let them win

They come, They come
Don't let them win



All comments from YouTube:

@michelelomartire_634

one of the best things about 50 years old,is the fact that i lived my teenage years in the 80's that is priceless and I am grateful!!!

@paulyoungchannel3886

It has been a perfect playing for me having a lovely and awesome Fan like you, thanks for your love, I have you mostly to be thankful for 🎻🌹🎻

@shadowkieran12xxxxxx35

Jammy Bastet

@traciverhulst9163

One of my absolute favourite songs. Reminds me of my happy days and my youth. Still on my playlist and listened to regularly Ali g with Senzo una Donna (spelling oops) 🎶

@lilianaporras7829

Una bonita
VerSion

@lilianaporras7829

Una bonita versión

23 More Replies...

@Hesselz1

I cry when I hear this in 2021. Why are there no more great singers and songs like this anymore. Paul Young is still no. 1

@chrisstrijbosch9318

he always will be a music legend

@MCATOSr

Well i like the original from crowded house.

@joudawal2973

Same I swear I cried my heart out

More Comments

More Versions