Dreams by Solange Lyrics Meaning – Unraveling the Tapestry of Aspiration and Longing
Lyrics
Dreams, dreams, dreams
Dreams, dreams, dreams
Dreams, dreams, dreams
Dreams, they come a long way, not today
Dreams, they come a long way, not today
Dreams, they come a long way, not today
Dreams, they come a long way, not today
Dreams, they come a long way, not today
Dreams, they come a, they come a long way
They come a, they come a long way
They come un-, they come undone
They come a-, they come around
Dreams, they come a long way, not today
Dreams, they come a long way, not today
(Dreams, they come a long way, not today)
Sometimes I dream I’m in the four door
Coming down on the slow-mo
Sometimes I dream I go so high by for the ride by
Sometimes I feel I’m going down, down
Sometimes I feel I’m gonna die at times
Got my dreams and my eyes wide (No, no, no)
Solange Knowles has etched her own path in the musical cosmos, distinct and separate from her superstar sister Beyoncé. She has a flair for weaving tracks that resonate with a deep, experiential essence—a poetry of the soul that listeners can’t help but absorb. ‘Dreams,’ a track from her celebrated album ‘When I Get Home,’ is a testament to her ability to mold music out of ethereal concepts like hopes, aspirations, and the highs and lows that accompany the human experience.
Unlike the robust anthems that often dominate the charts, ‘Dreams’ unfolds gently, like a mind wandering into twilight reverie. The song is a melodic contemplation of growth, persistence, and the reality that often accompanies our most cherished ambitions. Dominated by a soft, repetitive chorus, the lyrics invite us into a state of introspection and serve as a metaphorical journey through life’s ebbs and flows.
A Lullaby for the Longing Soul
From the outset, ‘Dreams’ cradles listeners in the arms of its lulling melody, suggesting that Solange sings not just from her own perspective, but as a universal voice of human yearning. The simplicity of the phrase ‘Dreams, dreams, dreams’ acts as a mirroring mantra—reflecting that these varying desires, whether grand or humble, are an inherent part of everyone’s journey.
Moreover, the repetition speaks to the cyclical nature of dreams. They are not static; they evolve, return, and sometimes, as Solange beautifully illustrates, they ‘come undone.’ This vulnerability is subtly woven into the fabric of the melody, stripping back layers of facade to reveal a raw and relatable core.
Delayed Gratification: The Odyssey of Dreams
‘Dreams, they come a long way, not today.’ This line encapsulates a truth that is often tough to swallow—our deepest wishes do not always materialize on our timeframes. Solange’s deliberate phrasing underscores the expanse one must travel between the conception of a dream and its fulfillment.
Herein lies the hidden resilience in the song’s character, suggesting that patience and persistence are necessary companions in the pursuit of our dreams. The acknowledgement that the path to achieving our dreams is long and frequently deferred serves as a comforting hand on the shoulder, a reminder that dreams demand both time and tenacity.
The Hidden Meaning: Navigating Life’s Detours
As ‘Dreams’ progresses, it reveals a more profound layer, suggesting that dreams do not merely develop over time—they inevitably change course. The lines ‘They come a, they come a long way / They come un-, they come undone’ elicit the unraveling of plans, the way aspirations get diverted or reshaped by life’s unpredictabilities.
Solange’s choice of fragmenting the lyrics reflects the fragmentary nature of dreams themselves: incomplete, in flux, constantly morphing. This fragmentation serves as a metaphor for how dreams can be disrupted, sometimes even falling apart before they ‘come around.’ It mirrors the personal, often silent, detours we all navigate.
Sonic Reflections: A Journey through Emotions
Musically, ‘Dreams’ does not remain stationary. The texture of the song, complete with slow tempos and airy synths, builds an atmosphere that mirrors the rollercoaster of emotions laid out in the lyrics. There is a deliberate duality at play, an echo of both the serenity and tumult of chasing after something elusive.
‘Sometimes I dream I’m going down, down / Sometimes I feel I’m gonna die at times.’ These lines bridge the gap between dream and reality, showing how aspirations intersect with fears and the darkest moments of doubting one’s path. Yet, the upward swell of the melody suggests resurgence and rebirth from these depths.
The Memorable Lines: Windows to Solange’s Soul
Perhaps the most poignant aspect of ‘Dreams’ lies in its ability to evoke a profound sense of empathy through its lyrics. Memorable lines like ‘Got my dreams and my eyes wide’ serve as reminders that even in the midst of uncertainty and the fears that accompany the pursuit of our dreams, there is always an undercurrent of hope, an ever-present belief in the possibility of what lies ahead.
These words resonate as a rallying cry to keep one’s eyes open—to live deeply and authentically, with dreams guiding the way. The intimacy of Solange’s voice, combined with the emotive pull of these lines, leaves listeners with a final, echoing resonance that makes ‘Dreams’ not just a song, but an experience.
