Bad Dream Baby

September 87's 'Bad Dream Baby' delves into the surreal and often disorienting world of dreams, blending the lines between reality and fantasy. The song opens with the protagonist waking from a restless slumber, haunted by recurring dreams where they are losing their teeth—a common symbol of anxiety and loss of control. This sets the stage for a narrative where the dreamer is desperately trying to connect with a mysterious figure, symbolizing a deep-seated longing for love and connection.

The lyrics paint vivid imagery of standing at the edge of a tall tower, holding hands and diving, which can be interpreted as a metaphor for taking a leap of faith in love. The sensation of falling for hours before the day arrives suggests an intense, almost timeless experience of falling in love within the dream. This dream world becomes a sanctuary where the protagonist can explore their feelings without the constraints of reality.

Despite acknowledging that these lucid dreams aren't a remedy and that they've lost their grip on reality, the protagonist finds solace in these fantasies. The repeated refrain of 'bad dream baby' underscores the paradox of finding comfort in what should be a nightmare. The song captures the bittersweet essence of unfulfilled desires and the human tendency to escape into dreams when reality falls short. The protagonist's plea to not be woken up highlights their desperation to hold onto this dream world where their love feels real and attainable.

'Bad Dream Baby' is a poignant exploration of the intersection between dreams and reality, love and fantasy, and the lengths to which one might go to find solace in an otherwise unattainable desire.