"Don't Dream It's Over" became the band's biggest international hit, reaching No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States in April 1987. "Don't Dream It's Over" was also a great success in Finn's native country of New Zealand, where it peaked at Number 1. It also topped the charts in Canada, while in Australia it peaked at No. 8. In Continental Europe, it reached No. 6 in Norway, No. 7 in the Netherlands, and No. 13 in Germany. At the 1986 Countdown Australian Music Awards the song was nominated for three awards, winning Best Video.
"Don't Dream It's Over" is written and composed in the key of E-flat major and is set in time signature of common time with a tempo of 82 beats per minute.
"Don't Dream It's Over" was prominently featured in the 1994 miniseries adaptation of Stephen King's novel The Stand. The song has also been recorded by other artists, including Paul Young, Sixpence None the Richer, and New Zealand artist Stan Walker.
In May 2001, the Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA) ranked "Don't Dream It's Over" second on its list of the Top 100 New Zealand songs of all time[15] and seventh on its list of the Top 100 Australian songs of all time. In January 2018, as part of Triple M's "Ozzest 100", the 'most Australian' songs of all time, "Don't Dream Its Over" was ranked number 65
The music video for the song was created by Australian film production company Meaningful Eye Contact and was directed by Alex Proyas. It was filmed in Sydney at an abandoned theatre in Balmain. The video features some surreal special effects such as household objects – including shattering crockery – and film reels that float in the air, with lead singer Finn playing a guitar and walking through the same house during different time periods while his bandmates are either performing household chores or playing various backing instruments. It was nominated for Best Group Video, and Best Direction at the 1987 MTV Video Music Awards, and earned the group a Best New Artist award.
Don't Dream It's Over
Sixpence None the Richer Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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
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)
Sixpence None the Richer's Don't Dream It's Over is about the struggles of life and the power of human connection. The song speaks of the freedom within and without, but also acknowledges the battles and hardships that come with life. The line "Try to catch the deluge in a paper cup" represents the futility of trying to control the uncontrollable, while "There's a battle ahead, many battles are lost" acknowledges the struggles and failures that are a part of life.
However, despite the hardships, the song emphasizes the importance of human connection and the possibility of overcoming any obstacle. The chorus of "Hey now, hey now, don't dream it's over" encourages the listener to hold onto hope and not give up, even when the world seems to be against them. The line "They come, they come, to build a wall between us, we know they won't win" suggests that no matter what challenges come our way, we can overcome them together.
The song also touches on the idea of escapism as a coping mechanism. The line "In the paper today tales of war and of waste, but you turn right over to the T.V. page" speaks to the idea of ignoring the problems of the world and seeking refuge in distractions instead.
Overall, Don't Dream It's Over is an uplifting song that encourages perseverance and reminds us of the power of human connection in overcoming life's challenges.
Line by Line Meaning
There is freedom within, there is freedom without
There are opportunities to experience freedom both internally and externally.
Try to catch the deluge in a paper cup
Attempting to manage or control something that is beyond your reach.
There's a battle ahead, many battles are lost
Life is filled with challenges, and some will not be won.
But you'll never see the end of the road
There is always a path to follow, even when it seems like the journey is coming to an end.
While you're traveling with me
Together we can face whatever obstacles come our way.
Hey now, hey now
Don't dream it's over
Let's not give up hope and stay positive.
When the world comes in
They come, they come
To build a wall between us
We know they won't win
Even when there are forces trying to divide us, we can overcome them and stay united.
Now I'm towing my car, there's a hole in the roof
My possessions are causing me suspicion but there's no proof
Personal struggles can lead to feelings of mistrust and unease.
In the paper today tales of war and of waste
But you turn right over to the T.V. page
The media can overwhelm us with negativity, but we have the power to look for positivity instead.
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
Despite obstacles and fear, we can find our way towards love and personal freedom.
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)
We should not allow outside forces to defeat us, and we should continue to persevere and fight.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Neil Finn
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@billaguis9783
"Don't Dream It's Over"
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 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
We know they won't win
Hey now, hey now
Don't dream it's over
Hey now, hey now
When the world comes in
Hey now, hey now
Don't dream it's over
Hey now, hey now
When the world comes in
Hey now, hey now
Don't dream it's over ...
@fenriz1844
Lyrics:
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 travelling 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 TV 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
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 (Hey now, hey now), yeah
Hey now, hey now
@ronarertac9081
I really hope this kind of music will comeback, I really missed the 90's and early 2000's best days of my life😔
@shereeshearne3863
I agree
@niekendy9433
Yeah.. right now is IDM with no rhythm, and unproper video, where's chick shows their ass, its disgusting I guess..
@kokomanation
I was born in 1983 I know what you mean my friend
@moffant4916
Sadly it did. ariana grande and miley cyrus sang it.. ugh.
@xsbgtr
You realize this is a cover right? The original comes from the 80´s I think
@mikebeckham55
This girl has the perfect voice for this song and she does a great job! Always loved the song and this is a very nice rendition. I'd like to hear more from her and the band.
@analcommando1124
if you think this is good you should hear Crowded House's original version because this cover is slop in comparison
@Saintironarm
You know this is an average cover of an aussie iconic song
@douglandback473
@Anal Commando I'm sure Neil Finn has no problem with those royalty checks...LOL.