Starting as a parody of the booming third-wave ska scene in Southern California (their first show, reportedly, was played with fourteen members, at least half of which were wielding horns), The Aquabats played third-wave ska with surf guitar sounds and b-movie inspired lyrics. Over time, their sound became even more eclectic, dropping much of the surf guitar leads and ska rhythms for more varied influences.
Their current sound blends upbeat rock and roll, new wave, punk, and ska/rocksteady with synth largely replacing their horn and woodwind section. Notable influences upon The Aquabats are Devo, Oingo Boingo, Madness, and Toy Dolls.
The Aquabats’ current lineup is The MC Bat Commander (vocals), Ricky Fitness (drums), Crash McLarson (bass), Eagle "Bones" Falconhawk (guitar) & Jimmy the Robot (keyboards/tenor sax). Former members like Chainsaw, The Prince of Karate; Prince Adam; and Catboy have been known to come back into the fold for the occasional show.
The Aquabats's most recent album is Kooky Spooky... In Stereo!, released on August 21, 2020. via Gloopy Records.
In My Dreams!
The Aquabats Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Everyone that sees me wants to be me
In my dreams
And why do the bad guys run and hide?
Just because I never run out of bullets
In my dreams
In my dreams
I have a gym that works out for me
I can always find my keys
Can always find my keys
When I wake up it’s a nightmare
I scream in fright cuz you’re not there
When I see you again
I’ll know that I’m dreaming
I’m dreamin’ ‘bout you tonight
I’m dreamin’ ‘bout you tonight
We can be together
But I know it’s now or never
In my dreams
In my dreams
And why when I’m falling do you fly?
Things are never quite what they seem
In my dreams
And why am I in a submarine?
You jump out the hatch
And you never look back
In my dreams
When I wake up it’s a nightmare
I scream in fright cuz you’re not there
When I see you again
I’ll know that I’m dreaming
I’m dreamin’ ‘bout you tonight
I’m dreamin’ ‘bout you tonight
We can be together if we only believe
But then you go away
You go away from me
But tonight, I’m dreamin’ ‘bout you tonight
We can be together
But I know it’s now or never
In my dreams
In my dreams
The lyrics to The Aquabats's song In My Dreams express the desire to escape reality and enter a world where everything is perfect. The singer feels happy and content, but only in their dreams. The opening line, "Why am I so glad to be alive", suggests that the singer isn't always happy in reality. They escape into their dreams where they can be whoever they want and have everything they desire.
The lyrics mention an ice cream tree and a gym that works out for them. These surreal elements emphasize the fantasy world that the singer has created in their dreams. The line "I can always find my keys" could represent the singer's need for control in their life. In their dreams, they can control even the smallest things like finding their keys.
However, the song implies that reality is not always perfect. When the singer awakes from their dream, they are faced with a "nightmare" because their ideal world disappears. The line "You go away from me" suggests that the singer's dream involves a specific person. The dream world is an escape from reality, but it is also a reminder of what the singer is missing in their waking life.
Line by Line Meaning
Why am I so glad to be alive
I am content with my life and it makes me happy.
Everyone that sees me wants to be me
People admire my lifestyle and aspire to have it as their own.
In my dreams
The following lyrics are a part of my imagination or daydreams.
And why do the bad guys run and hide?
I feel invincible in my dreams and villains fear me.
Just because I never run out of bullets
My dreams also give me endless resources and capabilities.
I have an ice cream tree
In my dreams, I have access to whatever I want, even the impossible.
I have a gym that works out for me
I don't even have to work hard to stay fit, it happens effortlessly in my dreams.
I can always find my keys
Even the smallest things that usually cause inconvenience are easy to obtain in my dreams.
When I wake up it’s a nightmare
Reality is disappointing compared to my dreams.
I scream in fright cause you’re not there
I miss the things and people in my dreams who aren't in my waking life.
When I see you again, I’ll know that I’m dreaming
I am aware that my dreams are not reality and can distinguish the two.
I’m dreamin’ ‘bout you tonight
I am having a dream about something specific or someone I miss.
We can be together but I know it’s now or never
I desire things or people that I may never achieve or experience in reality.
And why when I’m falling do you fly?
Things that once worked in my dreams no longer function or become unrealistic.
Things are never quite what they seem
My dreams can be deceptive and trick me into believing certain things.
And why am I in a submarine?
I experience odd, unexplainable things in my dreams.
You jump out the hatch, and you never look back in my dreams
Even the people I care about in my dreams have a tendency to leave or disappoint me.
Contributed by Emma P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.