Dream

Selena Gomez's song 'Dream' is a poignant exploration of life's journey, from the innocence of childhood to the wisdom of old age. The lyrics begin with the perspective of a young girl, alone in her imaginative world, dreaming of a home and playing pretend. This imagery of a child feeding houseguests with bark and leaves and laughing in a bed of green evokes a sense of pure, untainted joy and creativity. The recurring motif of dreaming, particularly the dream of flying from the highest swing, symbolizes the boundless aspirations and the limitless imagination of youth.

As the song progresses, the narrative shifts to a more introspective tone. The girl, now older, takes long walks in the dark woods, seeking answers about her identity and purpose. The stars and God's silent reverie suggest a search for meaning and guidance, a common theme in the transition from childhood to adulthood. The prayer and subsequent sleep indicate a moment of peace and acceptance, a brief respite in the ongoing quest for self-discovery.

In the final verse, the perspective shifts to an older, reflective voice. The speaker, now feeling grey, contemplates the life they have lived. The acknowledgment of living life fully and well, with many tales to tell, conveys a sense of fulfillment and readiness for the next phase. The repeated readiness to 'fly from the highest wing' signifies a return to the dream of flight, now imbued with the wisdom and experiences of a lifetime. This cyclical journey from dreaming as a child to reflecting as an elder encapsulates the essence of human existence, marked by dreams, growth, and eventual acceptance of life's impermanence.