That's The Dream

Shawn Mendes' song 'That's The Dream' delves into the complexities of love, commitment, and the pursuit of dreams. The lyrics reflect a journey that began at the age of seventeen, highlighting the emotional rollercoaster of highs, lows, and everything in between. This journey is marked by the promises made in a relationship, which, as the song suggests, are often difficult to uphold. The recurring theme of questioning whether these promises and dreams are meant to be underscores the uncertainty and vulnerability that accompany deep emotional connections.

The song paints a poignant picture of a significant life event—a wedding—where the absence of a loved one is deeply felt. This absence is not just physical but emotional, as the narrator grapples with the idea of space and its supposed healing power. However, instead of feeling whole, the narrator feels like a 'shadow' of themselves, indicating a loss of identity or completeness without their partner. This imagery powerfully conveys the struggle of maintaining one's sense of self while navigating the expectations and realities of love and commitment.

Mendes' lyrics also touch on the broader theme of dreams and the challenges inherent in pursuing them. The line 'nothing good comes easily' serves as a reminder of the effort and resilience required to achieve one's dreams, whether in love or life. The song's refrain, 'that's the dream,' suggests a bittersweet acceptance of the idealized vision of love and life, acknowledging both its allure and its elusiveness. Through this introspective lens, Mendes invites listeners to reflect on their own dreams and the promises they make along the way.