I Had a Dream
The Wilkinsons Lyrics


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(Mac McAnally)

You look at me
Like it's judgement day
You're full of words
But there's nothing you can say
I should have known
But I could not tell
It's all over, it's just as well

I had a dream you loved me
But I woke up
You wanted everything
But still it wasn't enough
That alarm clock hit me
Like a semi-truck
It was a dream you loved me
But I woke up

You tell me
I'm a stick in the mud
You tell yourself
You're the Tennessee stud
It's doesn't really matter
Who's to blame
My heart ain't broke
It's just a little ashamed

I had a dream you loved me
But I woke up
You wanted everything
But still it wasn't enough
That alarm clock hit me
Like a semi-truck
It was a dream you loved me
But I woke up

{You say}
Everybody wants to be free
{I say}
No way you want it more than me
{Anyway}
Better off knowing how it's gonna be
I had a dream

I had a dream you loved me
But I woke up
You wanted everything
But still it wasn't enough
That alarm clock hit me
Like a semi-truck
It was a dream you loved me
But I woke up





Just a dream you loved me
But I woke up

Overall Meaning

The Wilkinsons's song I Had A Dream, written by Mac McAnally, is a poignant exploration of the complexities of a relationship that has lost its spark. The opening lines about being judged create a tense atmosphere that underscores the sense of unease in the song. The singer seems to be disappointed that his partner's words cannot express what he was hoping to hear. He reflects on how he should have seen the writing on the wall, but was unable to. Even though it is over, he feels it’s for the best.


The chorus portrays a dream, a perfect world where he is loved, but the reality hits him hard when he wakes up. He recognizes that his partner was looking for everything but still it wasn't enough. The alarm clock, as a metaphor, is a sudden reminder of the presence of reality and the fact that his partner never loved him. The singer is struck by the realization that he had been holding onto a dream with no basis in reality.


The final verse seems to have a bit of a dialogue. The singer talks about freedom, and how both of them want it. However, he realizes that he was better off knowing how it's going to be. After all, he had a dream that was never going to become a reality, and perhaps he is better off for knowing it now.


Overall, I Had A Dream delves deep into the themes of disillusionment, heartbreak, and the acceptance of the truth, albeit painful. It emphasizes that the dishonesty in a relationship can do more damage than good.


Line by Line Meaning

You look at me Like it's judgement day
You stare at me with such intensity, as if it's the end of the world and you must pass some kind of verdict on me


You're full of words But there's nothing you can say
You speak without any real meaning or substance, as if all the words in the world won't change the situation


I should have known But I could not tell It's all over, it's just as well
I should have realized the truth of the situation, but I was unable to see it. The relationship is finished and it's better that way


You tell me I'm a stick in the mud
You criticize me for being too conservative and stuck in my ways


You tell yourself You're the Tennessee stud
You try to convince yourself that you're a strong and attractive person


It's doesn't really matter Who's to blame My heart ain't broke It's just a little ashamed
It's not important to lay blame for what's happened. My heart isn't shattered, it's just a little embarrassed for believing in something that wasn't real


{You say} Everybody wants to be free {I say} No way you want it more than me {Anyway} Better off knowing how it's gonna be I had a dream
You claim that everyone desires freedom, while I argue that you don't want it any more than I do. In any case, it's better to understand the truth of the matter than to live in a fantasy


Just a dream you loved me But I woke up
It was only a dream that you actually loved me, and now that I've woken up to reality, it's time to move on




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS

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Comments from YouTube:

@ianj24341

this reminds me of god and his healing power and his love and grace

@Neeki101

AMEN!! This is a great video from a Christian perspective.. and whether these people wanted it to be or not.. God is totally shininng thorugh this!! Hallelujia! Thank you Jesus!

@sapphire123

I only caught the last bit on CMT, this video is amazing!

@countrynineteen

such an amazing song !<3

@bakingbearsc

I love the willinsons soooo much

@richardwhite2344

Me too!!!!

@douglasdemaranville1578

I'd be love for the ferst time in my life God bless wish you the best

@charmy299

The song is on their Greatest Hit's cd. The only legally way to download it is via ITunes Canada.

@charmy299

Well, It's up there, but nothing beats Leaving Songs video!

@wolfinfairy

is this song new cuz i cant fricken download it ANYWHERE!!! help me out please!!!!

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