The meaning of the lyrics of the song "Dream Lover" by the artist "Vaccines, The"

The song "Dream Lover" by The Vaccines explores themes of love, fantasy, and disillusionment within a relationship.

Escapism and Insincerity:

From the outset, the lyrics hint at the narrator's detachment: "They call a dream a wish / Like it means anything / It don't mean much to me." He appears indifferent, perhaps disillusioned by the reality of love, preferring to escape into a world of fantasy. This is further emphasized by the recurring line "Giving you a hug that's insincere," highlighting a lack of depth and genuineness in the relationship.

The Unattainable Ideal:

The central motif is the "dream lover," an idealized figure who exists solely within the narrator's imagination. He confesses to seeing her when he closes his eyes, directly contrasting fantasy and reality. This unattainable figure embodies his longing for a perfect love that he cannot find in the real world.

Fantasy Versus Reality:

The lines "When I think about you / I kinda like it / Dream but I'm wide awake" illustrate the narrator's internal conflict. He experiences some feelings for the real person, yet they pale compared to the vivid imagery of the dream lover. He is trapped within his own fantasies, unable to fully commit to either reality.

The Power of Imagination:

The song also touches upon how easily one can idealize and create attractive images through imagination: "Use your imagination / And anyone at all / Can be appealing." This emphasizes the fleeting and subjective nature of perceiving love, particularly in the context of the unattainable "dream lover."

A Vicious Cycle:

The recurring lines about the "dream lover" and the "insincere hug" create a sense of being trapped in a loop. The narrator remains a prisoner of his own fantasies, unable to find fulfillment in real life.

Ultimately, "Dream Lover" is a song about escapism, the power of imagination, and the bittersweet allure of unattainable love.