Dream Away
George Harrison
Exploring the Mystical Realms of 'Dream Away' by George Harrison
George Harrison's 'Dream Away' is a lyrical journey through the realms of dreams and reality, blending mystical imagery with profound reflections on life and history. The song opens with a series of enigmatic phrases, 'Oh Ry In Eye Ay,' which set a surreal tone, inviting listeners into a dreamlike state. This ethereal introduction is followed by vivid descriptions of 'midnight sunshine' and 'silent thunder,' juxtaposing elements that don't typically coexist, thereby emphasizing the surreal nature of dreams.
As the song progresses, Harrison delves into the experience of waking up and realizing that a loved one is no longer present, encapsulated in the line, 'Waking while you're still deep sleeping, finding you're not here.' This moment of realization is poignant, highlighting the transient nature of dreams and the longing for connection. The lyrics then take a historical turn, with references to 'tumbling through a thousand centuries' and 'treasures of history to be found.' These lines suggest that dreams can serve as a bridge to the past, allowing us to explore ancient myths and legends, and uncover the 'handiworks' of time.
The song also touches on themes of greed and loss, as seen in the lines 'Greedy feeling wheeling dealing, losing what you won.' This could be interpreted as a commentary on the fleeting nature of material success and the inevitable disappointments that come with it. Despite these challenges, the song maintains a hopeful tone, suggesting that dreams offer a respite from the harsh realities of life. The closing lines, 'In out, hot cold, up down, young old, what a lot to do, sharing a dream with you,' encapsulate the song's central message: that life, with all its contrasts and complexities, is made more meaningful when shared with others, even if only in dreams.