Don't Dream It's Over
Straight No Chaser Lyrics

The song "Don't Dream It's Over" by Straight No Chaser is an inspiring and thought-provoking tune that encourages listeners to persevere despite the obstacles that they may face in life. The first stanza of the song begins with the musings of what freedom means to us. The lyricist emphasizes that freedom is both subjective and relative to our individual perspective. In this case, the freedom within can also be seen as the freedom 'to be' or to feel a certain way. The lines "Try to catch the deluge in a paper cup" stresses how we as humans often try to control more than what is possible, things that are beyond our reach, like trying to capture the deluge in a mere cup. The following lines present the realism of the battle ahead, many of which are often lost; still, it reminds us to remain optimistic and to never give up. The lyricist urges us to see the journey through, as we do not know what awaits us on the other side. The stanza concludes with the idea that we travel together, emphasizing the necessity of community and support.

The chorus of the song repeats the phrase, "Hey now, hey now, don't dream it's over," reminding the listener not to give up on their dreams and to keep pushing forward. It's reassuring and empowering, encouraging us to continue on in the face of adversity. The "When the world comes in" line can be seen as the recognition of the harsh realities we face in the world. It serves as a reminder that we face difficulties both as individuals and as a society.

The following stanza uses the car and the possessions as metaphors to represent the baggage that follows you around and causes anxiety. Once again, the importance of media is highlighted with the line "But you turn right over to the TV page." This line suggests how media can often distract us from harsh realities and can be utilized as a way of avoiding conflicts or issues that need addressing. The chorus repeats, reminding us to keep fighting, and not to allow anyone to come in our way and build a wall between us.

The final stanza of the song emphasizes the importance of going forward and not getting stuck in one place. The line "Get to know the feeling of liberation and release" tries to inspire the listener to break free from the mental and emotional constraints they may have put on themselves. The stanza concludes with the chorus repeating once again, gathering a sense of reassurance and resilience. The song concludes with the line, "Don't let them win," urging us all to overcome the obstacles life presents and to remain steadfast in our beliefs.