Bad Dreams

Neon Trees' song 'Bad Dreams' delves into the captivating and often conflicting world of fantasy versus reality. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a nocturnal escape where the protagonist finds solace and excitement in their dreams. The city is asleep, but the dreamer’s mind is alive with vibrant, technicolor scenes that contrast sharply with their waking life. This dichotomy is highlighted in lines like 'In real life, I would stutter / With you in technicolor,' suggesting that the dream world offers a confidence and freedom that reality does not.

The recurring theme of not wanting to wake up underscores the allure of these 'bad dreams.' Despite acknowledging that these fantasies might be 'wrong,' the protagonist revels in the joy and thrill they provide. The dreams are described as 'never been so fun,' indicating a deep-seated desire to escape the mundane or challenging aspects of real life. This is further emphasized by the line 'I like the things that we do in my bad dreams,' which suggests that the dream world allows for experiences and emotions that are unattainable or unacceptable in reality.

The song also touches on the idea of indulgence and the blurred lines between fantasy and reality. Phrases like 'Live the sin in R.E.M.' and 'Fantasy adjacent' hint at the temptations and moral ambiguities that come with these dreams. The protagonist is aware of the fantasy's seductive nature but chooses to embrace it, even if it means living in a state of perpetual longing and dissatisfaction. This complex interplay between desire, guilt, and escapism makes 'Bad Dreams' a compelling exploration of the human psyche and our innate need for escapism.