The meaning of the lyrics of the song "I Ruin Dreams, Not Nightmares" by the artist "Watchout! Theres Ghosts"

In the song "I Ruin Dreams, Not Nightmares" by Watchout! Theres Ghosts, the lyrical protagonist addresses a former lover who he believes has traded him for an empty, superficial life. He is obsessed with her, claiming that only he knew her true essence ("Only I possess the part of you that matters"). He sees her current partner as a temporary painkiller ("He's just a dose to keep you alive") and her as broken and devastated ("Hostage, without bail, without ransom...").

The hero torments her with memories of their past, of passion and intimacy that he is convinced were real ("I hear the lies you spill... Trading your body like you once did with me"). He haunts her nightmares, invading her dreams and making her doubt reality ("You say my name, pretending he's me?").

The recurring question "Am I to blame for your dreams?" carries a double meaning. On the one hand, it is a sarcastic denial of his guilt, an attempt to shift the responsibility for her pain onto her. On the other hand, it is a desperate cry for help, a plea for recognition of his importance in her life. In the end, he is left alone, haunted by ghosts of the past, shattered dreams, and undying obsession.