Dreaming

Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark's song 'Dreaming' delves into the emotional turmoil of unrequited love. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person who is deeply infatuated with someone who does not reciprocate their feelings. The opening lines, 'If you were born in heaven, girl / I'd understand so well,' suggest an idealization of the beloved, placing them on a pedestal. However, this idealization quickly turns into despair as the singer laments, 'You've made my life such hell,' indicating the emotional pain caused by this one-sided affection.

The recurring theme of 'dreaming' in the song symbolizes the singer's longing and the illusory nature of their hopes. The lines 'I was only dreaming / I was only trying to catch your eye' reflect the futile attempts to gain the attention and affection of the beloved. This dreamlike state is shattered by the harsh reality of rejection, as emphasized by the repeated phrase, 'Instead you said goodbye.' The juxtaposition of dreams and reality highlights the emotional conflict and the inevitable disappointment that comes with unreciprocated love.

The song also explores the paradoxical nature of love, where the same person who elevates the singer's spirits also brings them down. 'You build me up / You raise me up / You kill me with your charms' encapsulates this duality. The singer is caught in a cycle of hope and despair, yearning for a second chance to make things right, as expressed in the lines, 'Would you stay with me tonight / Won't you make these feelings last / Can we start this all again.' This plea underscores the desperation and the deep emotional impact of unfulfilled love, making 'Dreaming' a poignant exploration of the complexities of human emotions.