Once In a Dream

“Once In a Dream” by In The City is a poignant exploration of the tension between dreams and reality, and the emotional burdens we carry for those we love. The song opens with the narrator reflecting on a dream where they felt an unbounded sense of freedom and possibility, a stark contrast to their waking life. This dream represents an idealized version of themselves, where they can be anyone they want and protect their loved ones indefinitely. However, the morning brings a harsh return to reality, where the taste of freedom lingers but remains unattainable.

The recurring theme of carrying weight for someone else underscores the song's emotional depth. The narrator feels a profound sense of responsibility and sacrifice, willing to bear the burdens and hide the chains of reality to shield their loved one from fear. This self-imposed duty is both noble and isolating, as highlighted by the repeated mention of the “loneliest road.” The road symbolizes the solitary journey of carrying emotional weight and the isolation that often accompanies such a path.

Musically, the song's melancholic tone and repetitive structure reinforce the themes of longing and endurance. The repetition of the phrase “I know, I know, I know” emphasizes the narrator's resigned acceptance of their situation. Despite the dream's fleeting promise of freedom and safety, the narrator remains steadfast in their commitment, even if it means walking the loneliest road. This song resonates with anyone who has ever felt the weight of responsibility and the bittersweet nature of dreams that can never fully be realized.