Make Believe
Thompson Twins Lyrics


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I had a dream and the dream came true
I saw a ghost and the ghost was you
But in the dark it was hard to see
That you were only make believe
Some people can't be left alone
They can't be happy on their own

Some people need to find a friend
I never knew this was in my head
I wandered to an empty playground
All I needed was a friend
Instead of playing hide and seek
I played let's pretend
Lets pretend

Whenever I am feeling lonely
Whenever I am at an end
I draw a picture inside my head
I could see you once again

I'm building giant towers
Day and night without relief




I don't need a team of helpers
I make do with make believe

Overall Meaning

The opening lines of Thompson Twins’ “Make Believe” talks about having a dream that finally came true, and that dream was seeing a ghost, which happened to be the person the singer was thinking about at that moment. But as the song progresses, it becomes clear that this “ghost” is only make believe. The singer was only imagining the person as if they were still present despite their absence.


The song also touches on the concept of loneliness and the need for companionship. The singer admits that some people are unable to be happy when they are alone, thus seeking the company of others. The chorus of the song features the singer reminiscing about the way they played pretend with their imaginary friend on an empty playground instead of seeking real friends to fill the void. Instead of seeking assistance from others, the singer relies on their imagination to help them through the rough times.


Line by Line Meaning

I had a dream and the dream came true
I once dreamt something and it actually came true in reality


I saw a ghost and the ghost was you
I saw a ghostly figure that reminded me of you


But in the dark it was hard to see
When it was dark, it was difficult to clearly see


That you were only make believe
That the thing that resembled you was actually not real, just imagined


Some people can't be left alone
Certain people need company to be happy and satisfied


They can't be happy on their own
They cannot attain happiness by themselves


Some people need to find a friend
Certain people need companionship to be content


I never knew this was in my head
I had no idea this concept of needing a friend was something I had dreamed up


I wandered to an empty playground
I aimlessly walked to a place where children usually play


All I needed was a friend
I simply required someone to spend time with


Instead of playing hide and seek
Instead of playing a children's game of hiding and finding


I played let's pretend
I imagined myself in different situations


Whenever I am feeling lonely
When I am experiencing feelings of isolation and being alone


Whenever I am at an end
When I am at the brink of something, feeling hopeless and defeated


I draw a picture inside my head
I create a scenario or vision in my mind


I could see you once again
I could visualize seeing you once again


I'm building giant towers
I am constructing large structures


Day and night without relief
Continuously, without pause or rest


I don't need a team of helpers
I am capable of creating without assistance


I make do with make believe
I cope with the idea of imagining, pretending or creating fictional things




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS

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