The Things That Dreams Are Made Of

The Human League's song "The Things That Dreams Are Made Of" is a vibrant celebration of life's simple pleasures and grand adventures. The lyrics encourage listeners to take time to explore the wonders of the world, to see and experience things they've only ever heard of. This message is encapsulated in the lines, "Take time to see the wonders of the world / To see the things you've only ever heard of." The song suggests that dreams are not just about grandiose achievements but also about the small, everyday joys and the courage to pursue one's desires.

The song paints vivid pictures of various adventures, from taking a cruise to China to driving across the Golden Gate Bridge. These experiences symbolize the freedom and excitement that come with exploring new places and meeting new people. The lyrics, "Meet a girl on a boat meet a boy on a train / And fall in love without the pain," highlight the idea of forming meaningful connections without the usual complications, emphasizing the purity and simplicity of dream-like love and friendship.

Moreover, the song touches on universal needs such as love, adventure, and financial stability. The repeated lines, "Everybody needs love and adventure / Everybody needs cash to spend," underscore the idea that these elements are fundamental to a fulfilling life. The chorus, "These are the things / The things that dreams are made of," serves as a reminder that dreams are composed of both tangible and intangible elements—fun, money, food, love, and unexpected joys. The references to cultural icons like New York, ice cream, and TV further ground the song in a relatable context, making it a timeless anthem for dreamers everywhere.