Dream Girl Evil

Florence + The Machine's song 'Dream Girl Evil' delves into the complex interplay between idealization and reality in romantic relationships. The lyrics explore the notion of being someone's 'dream girl,' a fantasy that exists more vividly in the mind than in reality. The protagonist questions whether she is truly missed or merely a figment of someone's imagination, a perfect image that can never be fully realized or held. This dichotomy is highlighted in lines like 'You think of me in bed / But you could never hold me,' suggesting that the idealized version of her is more appealing than the real person.

The song also touches on themes of disappointment and unmet expectations. The protagonist confronts the listener with questions like 'Did I disappoint you? / Did mommy make you sad?' These lines suggest a deeper psychological layer, where the listener's frustrations and disappointments are projected onto the 'dream girl.' The protagonist is aware of this projection and even challenges it, saying, 'Make me perfect, make me your fantasy / You know I deserve it / Well, take it out on me.' This indicates a willingness to bear the brunt of these unrealistic expectations, even if it means being vilified.

The recurring refrain 'Dream girl / Evil' encapsulates the central theme of the song: the duality of being idealized and demonized. The protagonist acknowledges that she can never live up to the fantasy, and in doing so, she becomes 'evil' in the eyes of the one who idealizes her. The song concludes with the repeated line 'It cannot hold,' emphasizing the unsustainable nature of such idealization. The protagonist ultimately rejects the role of being anyone's 'moral center,' asserting her own identity beyond the projections and fantasies imposed upon her.