Dreams For Plans

Shakira's song 'Dreams For Plans' is a poignant reflection on the passage of time and the transformation of youthful dreams into the pragmatic concerns of adulthood. The lyrics evoke a sense of nostalgia for a simpler past, where the protagonist and their companion were content with the mere joy of living, symbolized by their 'bare feet and a pair of wings to fly.' The song suggests a time when aspirations were untainted by materialism, represented by the line 'There was nothing we could sell or buy.'

As the song progresses, Shakira poses questions that hint at a sense of regret and longing for the past. The repeated inquiries 'Have we lived too much, too fast?' and 'Have we changed our hopes for fears / And our dreams for plans?' suggest a disillusionment with the present, where once there were dreams and carefree love, now there are fears and calculated plans. The contrast between the past and present is a central theme, highlighting the inevitable changes that come with growing older and facing life's realities.

The use of language and personal reflection in the song adds depth to the emotional landscape Shakira is painting. She recalls a time when her English was limited, and the concept of 'stress' was foreign to her, symbolizing a period of innocence and lack of worry. The song is a bittersweet ode to the lost simplicity of youth, and a reminder of the importance of cherishing our dreams before they are replaced by the practicalities of life.