The Cranberries’ “Dreams” Lyrics Meaning

The metaphors used in the Cranberries’ “Dreams” are meant to be based on the singer’s first time falling in love. This idea becomes more apparent in the second verse where she is asking the addressee not to hurt her. She also acknowledges him as being ‘what she couldn’t find’, which is indicative of her up until that point of her life never being in a relationship like this. Then she goes on to state that he is ‘everything to her’, which clearly seems as if she is in fact in love.

So basically, the idea the title is meant to relay is that her finding this person is tantamount to one of her “dreams” coming true. And overall her being in love is having a positive transformative effect on her life. And this is a sensations she is obviously looking forward to holding onto as long as possible.

Lyrics of "Dreams"

Simply put, the emotions featured therein are based on Dolores O’Riordan’s first time falling in love.

Music Videos

There are actually three different videos for “Dreams”.  The version, which is commonly shown in the States and features the band in a nightclub and a storyline involving grave robbers, was handled by director Peter Scammell.

Facts about “Dreams”

This is the lead single from The Cranberries’ maiden album, “Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can’t We?”  And the song was released by Island Records on 29 September 1992.

The song was written by band members Dolores and Noel Hogan. And the production of “Dreams” was done by Stephen Street (who is best known for his works with The Smiths).

And FYI, the Cranberries iconic hit “Zombie” was also produced by Street.

“Dreams” charted in 6 countries, including making an appearance on both the UK Singles Chart and Billboard Hot 100. And in The Cranberries’ hometown of Ireland it peaked at number nine.

This song has had a notable pop-media presence, including being featured in the movies “Mission: Impossible” (1996) and “The Next Karate Kid”(1994).

The male backup singer on this song is one Mike Mahoney. Interestingly enough, he was actually Dolores O’Riordan’s boyfriend at the time.

8 Responses

  1. Philip Mercurio email: [email protected] says:

    I heard Dreams and it’s a beautiful song. I would like to know who does those extended Native American, shrill ullulations in the background near the song’s end. They go on for a long time and I’m amazed at the talent of this person. Thank you,

  2. Dolores O’rearend says:

    I spent some time reading about her on the 3rd anniversary of her death. OMG. A true narcissist psycho. Don’t believe me? Read about her plane outburst when she flipped out and smashed a steward to bits while screaming how important she was. “Oh, she was drunk. Give her a break!” you will say. Sorry. Not a drop of liquor in her. Pure narcissist rage.

    • Anonymous says:

      “Medical records given to the court indicated she was mentally ill at the time of the altercation.

      As she was leaving the courtroom, O’Riordan urged other people suffering mental illness to seek help. She thanked her doctors for helping her recover.”

  3. Paul says:

    There is a fine line between troubled & genius. Her talent and genius was, & still is something very special and beautiful.

  4. James P Gore says:

    This interpretation is interesting but I believe inaccurate. If you really knew Dolores from her interviews, you would interpret it differently based on her first line. “Oh (or All) my life, is changing every day, every possible way” Her belief from several interviews, in her own words. Indicate something that I too believe – There are multiple dimensions in which we choose different paths. From there, if you relate to the understanding, will bring you to a different point. It’s not a “Boyfriend” it is a “Love” though, but of a Greater Power –

  5. Neil says:

    Musically this song is striking. The opening eight-bar chord sequence is powerful, giving the message that we are in the grip of things we cannot control, which the song then explores. A “Greater Power”, as James has suggested.
    Dolores O’Riordan had an incredible talent, both as a writer and as a singer, but, as Paul observed, she was a deeply troubled person with it. As with the similarly talented and similarly troubled Amy Winehouse, you have to hope she is now at peace.

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