Hatful of Dreams

The song "Hatful of Dreams" by WONKA tells the story of an individual who has spent seven years at sea and is now ready to pursue their dreams in a new city. The lyrics paint a picture of someone who has invested a lot of time and hope into a specific goal, which in this case seems to be related to making chocolate. The mention of 'seven years of life upon the ocean' and 'seven years of hopes' suggests a long period of preparation and anticipation for this moment.

The protagonist arrives with very little to their name, signified by the 'tattered overcoat and battered suitcase' and 'leaky boots.' Despite the lack of resources, there is a determination to succeed, as indicated by the willingness to 'work my rotten socks off.' The 'twelve silver sovereigns' and 'hatful of dreams' symbolize the small amount of capital and the abundance of aspirations the character has brought to the city. The song captures the essence of starting from the bottom with the hope of rising to the top through hard work and talent.

As the song progresses, the character faces the harsh realities of city life, where even the simplest of pleasures, like eating at a restaurant, quickly deplete their limited funds. The repeated counting of the remaining silver sovereigns highlights the financial struggle. Despite the setbacks and the dwindling resources, the protagonist remains hopeful, clinging to their 'hatful of dreams.' The song is a narrative of ambition, the challenges of starting anew, and the unwavering belief in one's dreams despite the odds.