Walking On A Dream

"Walking on a Dream" explores themes of euphoria, escapism, and profound connection. On the surface, the lyrics narrate the surreal and exhilarating feeling of achieving a long-held desire, a state so blissful it feels like a dream. The central metaphor, 'walking on a dream,' represents a state of peak experience and overwhelming joy. However, songwriter Luke Steele has provided a more specific interpretation, stating that the song is about the creative and personal reunion between himself and bandmate Nick Littlemore. The lyric, 'when two people become one,' refers to their collaborative synergy. Despite this, Steele also encourages listeners to find their own meaning, acknowledging the song's capacity to represent any powerful, unifying relationship, whether romantic, platonic, or spiritual. Ultimately, the song is about the thrill of pursuit, the wonder of connection, and the surreal feeling of living in a moment of pure, unadulterated happiness.

The narrative begins with a sense of wonder and disbelief, as the speaker finds themselves in a state akin to walking within a dream. This experience is so profound and surreal that they struggle to articulate it, questioning if this beautiful reality will persist. There's a constant, driving momentum described as an unending chase for the 'thrill of it.' This pursuit is depicted as a relentless uphill journey, a continuous striving for a feeling of exhilaration. The protagonists are always calling out, searching, yet they never look down, completely captivated and in awe of the spectacle unfolding before them. This forward-and-upward gaze symbolizes a profound sense of optimism and absorption in the present moment, a feeling so intense it borders on the divine.

The central theme of unity and connection emerges with the recurring question, 'Is it real now, when two people become one?' This line captures the core of the song's emotional climax, a moment of perfect synthesis between two individuals. The feeling of this union is palpable and deeply felt, a transcendent experience that blurs the lines between the self and the other. This isn't just a fleeting thought but a recurring realization that redefines the speaker's perception of love and connection. Before this, the speaker never anticipated finding such a profound love within themselves, a love that is now constantly evolving and transforming their life. They are living in a new rhythm, where time itself seems to accelerate, every moment charged with significance.

The journey continues with an invocation for support and endurance. There's a moment of vulnerability expressed in the lines, 'Catch me, I'm falling down,' a plea for stability amidst the overwhelming euphoria. However, this is immediately followed by a resolution to persevere. The speaker offers themselves as a source of strength, a 'shoulder to lean upon,' urging their partner to keep moving forward. It’s a call to draw strength from within and to seize the present. The sentiment 'All we got is tonight, that is right 'til first light' emphasizes a carpe diem philosophy, a commitment to living fully in this shared, dreamlike experience until the very end. The song concludes by reiterating the powerful, transformative feeling of two individuals merging into a single entity, leaving the listener with a lingering sense of blissful, surreal unity.

"Walking on a Dream" is the debut single by the Australian electronic music duo Empire of the Sun, composed of Luke Steele (of The Sleepy Jackson) and Nick Littlemore (of Pnau). The song was co-written by Steele, Littlemore, and Jonathan 'Donnie' Sloan. The musical foundation was created by Sloan in his bedroom in about 45 minutes, which he then passed to Littlemore, who took it to Steele in Perth. The duo recorded the track at Soundworks Music Studio and Linear Recording in Sydney during various sessions in 2007. Littlemore described the lyrical and melodic creation as a very natural and meant-to-be process. The song was released on August 30, 2008, as the lead single from their debut album of the same name. The producers for the track were Empire of the Sun, Donnie Sloan, and Peter Mayes. The distinctive album art was inspired by film posters for classics like Indiana Jones and Star Wars.

The song is rich with symbolism and metaphorical language, beginning with its title.

• Walking on a Dream: This central metaphor represents a state of euphoria and surreal accomplishment. It's not just having a dream, but actively living within it, a powerful image of aspiration meeting reality.
• Two People Become One: This phrase symbolizes a profound connection and unity. While it can be interpreted romantically, Luke Steele has clarified it primarily refers to his creative partnership with Nick Littlemore, where their individual identities merge into a single artistic entity.
• Running for the Thrill of It / Pushing Up the Hill: This imagery symbolizes the continuous pursuit of excitement, fulfillment, and creative ambition. It suggests that the journey and the struggle are as important and exhilarating as the destination itself.
• Never Looking Down: This line creates a powerful visual of optimism, focus, and being completely absorbed in the positive moment, without fear of falling.

The predominant emotional atmosphere of "Walking On A Dream" is one of pure euphoria, wonder, and blissful optimism. This is achieved through a carefully crafted combination of musical and lyrical elements. The shimmering synth pads and bright, clean guitar lines create a sun-drenched, ethereal soundscape. The steady, danceable rhythm provides an uplifting and forward-moving energy. Luke Steele's unique vocal delivery, particularly his use of a dreamy falsetto, adds to the otherworldly quality. The lyrics, with their focus on awe, connection ('two people become one'), and the thrill of the chase, paint a picture of a perfect, transcendent moment, free from doubt or negativity. The overall effect is deeply hopeful and escapist, inviting the listener into a state of serene happiness.

"Walking on a Dream" achieved significant international success and has had a lasting cultural impact. Released in 2008, it reached #10 on the ARIA Charts in Australia and was certified 10x platinum there. The song experienced a major resurgence in the United States in 2016 after being featured in a popular Honda Civic commercial, which propelled it onto the Billboard Hot 100 and to #1 on the Dance Club Songs chart, seven years after its initial release. Its enduring appeal is also evident in its use as the theme for a global tourism campaign for Western Australia starting in 2022. The track won 'Single of the Year' at the 2009 ARIA Awards and 'Dance Work of the Year' at the 2010 APRA Awards. The song is considered an iconic synth-pop anthem of the late 2000s, helping to define the era's indie-electronic sound and remains popular on platforms like TikTok, finding new generations of fans.

The song's rhythm is one of its most defining features, characterized by a steady tempo of 127 beats per minute (BPM) in the key of F minor. This consistent, mid-tempo dance beat provides a driving yet relaxed pulse that makes the song highly accessible and danceable. The rhythmic structure creates a feeling of continuous motion, mirroring the lyrical theme of 'always running for the thrill of it.' The rhyme scheme is relatively simple and direct, often using couplets and straightforward rhymes (e.g., 'dream'/'explain,' 'one'/'upon') which enhances its pop sensibility and sing-along quality. There is a clear interplay between the lyrical rhythm and the musical beat, with the vocal melody often floating over the steady percussive foundation, contributing to the song's dreamy and ethereal feel.

"Walking on a Dream" is defined by its blend of musical and literary techniques that create its signature ethereal sound. Musically, the song is built on a foundation of synth-pop and new wave influences from the 1970s and 80s. Key elements include a steady, danceable beat, shimmering layers of synthesizers (including a characteristically out-of-tune Yamaha CS-80), and a clean, circling lead guitar riff. Luke Steele's distinctive vocal delivery, which shifts between a metallic-tinged lead and a higher falsetto, is a crucial component of the song's identity. Lyrically, the song employs repetition of the title phrase and the hook 'when two people become one' to reinforce its central themes. The use of vivid imagery ('in awe of what's in front of me') and metaphor ('walking on a dream') creates a surreal, transportive atmosphere for the listener.

What is the meaning of the song 'Walking On A Dream'?

The song is about the euphoric feeling of achieving a long-held desire and the profound connection between two people. Songwriter Luke Steele specified it's about his creative reunion with bandmate Nick Littlemore, where 'two people become one.'

When was 'Walking On A Dream' by Empire of the Sun released?

The song was released as a single on August 30, 2008. It was the lead single from their debut studio album of the same name, which was released in October 2008.

What genre of music is 'Walking On A Dream'?

The song is primarily categorized as synth-pop, electropop, and dance-pop. It blends elements of electronic music with new wave and psychedelic pop influences, creating a dreamy, atmospheric sound.

Who are the members of Empire of the Sun?

Empire of the Sun is an Australian duo consisting of Luke Steele, from the alternative rock band The Sleepy Jackson, and Nick Littlemore, of the electronic dance group Pnau.

Where was the music video for 'Walking On A Dream' filmed?

The music video was filmed on location along the Bund in Shanghai, China, in July 2008. It features Luke Steele and Nick Littlemore in elaborate, faux-oriental costumes inspired by Peking Opera.

Why did 'Walking On A Dream' become popular again in 2016?

The song saw a major resurgence in popularity after being featured in a widely broadcasted 2016 commercial for the Honda Civic in the United States. This exposure led to it charting on the Billboard Hot 100 for the first time.

What does the line 'when two people become one' signify?

While it can be interpreted as romantic love, Luke Steele stated the line refers to the powerful creative synergy between himself and bandmate Nick Littlemore, where their individual talents merge into a unified artistic vision for Empire of the Sun.