40 Day Dream

Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros' song '40 Day Dream' is a whimsical and surreal exploration of love and perception. The lyrics describe a dreamlike state that the narrator has been in for an extended period, suggesting a sense of being lost in a fantastical and almost too-good-to-be-true experience. The imagery of 'gold doorknobs where her eyes used to be' and 'jumper cable lips' evokes a sense of wonder and enchantment, highlighting the magical and mysterious nature of the love being described. This surrealism is further emphasized by the narrator's realization of what it truly means to see, suggesting a deeper understanding or enlightenment brought about by this love.

The recurring refrain, 'Aah, it's the magical mystery kind / Aah, must be a lie,' reflects the narrator's internal conflict between the enchantment of this dreamlike love and the skepticism that it might be too perfect to be real. The phrase 'Bye bye to the too good to be true kind of love' indicates a farewell to an idealized version of love, acknowledging that such perfection might be unattainable. This duality of wonder and doubt creates a poignant tension throughout the song, capturing the complexity of human emotions when faced with something extraordinarily beautiful yet seemingly ephemeral.

The song also touches on themes of fear and mortality, as seen in the lines 'Now I got no fear of death now.' The narrator's immersion in this dreamlike love has brought about a sense of fearlessness, suggesting that experiencing such profound beauty and connection can make one feel invincible or at peace with the idea of mortality. The repeated notion of being able to die now that this love has been experienced underscores the transformative power of love and its ability to alter one's perception of life and death. Overall, '40 Day Dream' is a captivating and introspective journey through the highs and lows of an almost otherworldly love, blending surreal imagery with deep emotional resonance.