The Dreaming was an alternative rock band in the Hollywood area, founded in… Read Full Bio ↴The Dreaming was an alternative rock band in the Hollywood area, founded in 2002 by Christopher Hall and Johnny Haro.

Their name is derived from the name of the domain of Dream of the Endless from the Sandman series (and/or the spin-off comic book series of the same name), by Neil Gaiman.

The full line up consists of:
Christopher Hall (vocals)
Johnny Haro (drums)
Franccesca D'Struct (bass)
Carlton Bost (guitar)
Walter Flakus (keyboards)

Members of The Dreaming have been in other bands previously. Christopher Hall was the lead vocalist of Stabbing Westward from 1985-2002, while Carlton Bost was a member of Deadsy and is currently in Berlin and Orgy. Johnny Haro has been the drummer for such bands as Freak of Nature, Stabbing Westward, The Brian Jonestown Massacre, Masque, Econoline Crush and Star 69.

They have released 4 EPs (including acoustics and remixes), two demos and a full album. 31st of January 2008 they released their first full length album, "Etched In Blood" on their self-created label "Dream Corpse Records" (abbreviated as DC Records). A new full length album titled 'Puppet" is set for a November 1st, 2011 release.

Recordings to date:
-The Dreaming EP
-Bonus Tracks EP
-Dreamo (Acoustic) EP
-Club Re-mixes EP
-Demo 1 and 2
-Etched in Blood
-Puppet

The Dreaming EP is out of print with no intention of being re-pressed; the only LP in print is Etched in Blood.

They have also covered "Let's Go to Bed" by The Cure and "Send Me An Angel" by Real Life.

Although previously The Dreaming has played covers of Stabbing Westward songs at shows (most notably "Save Yourself" and "Shame"), in statements and interviews they've disassociated themselves from the band, no longer feeling it necessary to cover Stabbing Westward songs to gain attention.

Their official site is www.thedreamingmusic.com; however, their MySpace - www.myspace.com/thedreaming as well as their Facebook - www.facebook.com/thedreamingmusic - which are both updated frequently.

Ugly
The Dreaming Lyrics

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You're beautiful, but your soul is cold and dead
Angelic, but a demon fills your head
The nirvana that you promised life could be
Was a deadly blend of hell and ecstasy

God, you are so beautiful,
‘Til I looked in your eyes...
Now I know you're ugly (Now I know you're ugly)

Now I know you're ugly on the inside
Now I know you're ugly (Now I know you're ugly)
Beautiful, but ugly on the inside

Beautiful, but ice runs through your veins
Slowly draining all my life away
Perfection in a shell devoid of life
You leave a trail of broken dreams behind

God, you are so beautiful,
‘Til I looked in your eyes...
Now I know you're ugly (Now I know you're ugly)
Now I know you're ugly on the inside
Now I know you're ugly (Now I know you're ugly)
Beautiful, but ugly... on the inside

God, you are so beautiful,
‘Til I looked in your eyes...
Now I know you're ugly (Now I know you're ugly)
Now I know you're ugly on the inside
Now I know you're ugly (Now I know you're ugly)
Beautiful, but ugly...
Now I know you're ugly (Now I know you're ugly)

Beautiful, but ugly on the inside
On the inside... On the inside... On the inside...

Overall Meaning

The Dreaming's song Ugly is a powerful portrayal of inner beauty versus outer beauty, and the conflicting feelings that can arise when the two do not align. The lyrics describe a person who appears beautiful on the outside, but whose soul is "cold and dead" and "devoid of life." The singer struggles with the realization that the person they thought was beautiful is actually "ugly on the inside." The use of juxtaposition between the outer beauty and inner ugliness is a powerful device that highlights the difference between the appearance of the person and the reality of who they are.

The lyrics also delve into the idea of broken promises and shattered dreams. The singer refers to the "nirvana" that the person promised life could be, but instead it turned out to be a "deadly blend of hell and ecstasy." This idea speaks to the disappointment that can come with believing in someone who doesn't live up to expectations.

Overall, the song Ugly is a stunning commentary on the idea of inner versus outer beauty, and the pain that can come with realizing that someone is not who you thought they were.

Line by Line Meaning

You're beautiful, but your soul is cold and dead
Despite appearing attractive, your character is unfeeling and lifeless.

Angelic, but a demon fills your head
You seem virtuous, but your thoughts are corrupt and evil.

The nirvana that you promised life could be Was a deadly blend of hell and ecstasy
Your idea of paradise was a mixture of pleasure and suffering, leading to misery.

God, you are so beautiful, ‘Til I looked in your eyes... Now I know you're ugly (Now I know you're ugly)
Initially enamored, seeing through your guise revealed your true ugliness.

Now I know you're ugly on the inside
Your inner self is unattractive, despite an outward appearance.

Beautiful, but ugly on the inside
Your external beauty conceals an unsavory nature.

Beautiful, but ice runs through your veins
You may look good, but your heart is cold and unfeeling.

Slowly draining all my life away
Being around you is a drain on my vitality and energy.

Perfection in a shell devoid of life
Your external appeal is a facade without any true substance or vitality.

You leave a trail of broken dreams behind
Your actions cause others to feel disheartened and hopeless.

Now I know you're ugly... Now I know you're ugly on the inside
Despite appearing attractive, you are unsavory in character and actions.

On the inside...
Your inner self is unappealing and unattractive.

Contributed by Jack L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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