In Dreams - 1987 Version

Song Meaning

The song explores the solace and escape found in dreams, particularly in the face of loss or separation. The 'candy-colored clown they call the sandman' represents a comforting figure who brings nightly respite from reality. The lyrics depict a longing for a connection that exists only in the dream world, where the singer can be with the person they desire. The recurring phrase 'in dreams' emphasizes the illusory nature of this relationship. The pain of waking up and realizing the dream is not reality is palpable, highlighting the contrast between the dream world and the waking world, where the loved one is absent. The singer acknowledges the inevitability of their sadness ('I can't help it if I cry') and the repeated 'only in dreams' underscores the bittersweet comfort and ultimate unfulfillment found in these nocturnal fantasies.