Am I Dreaming (Metro Boomin & A$AP Rocky, Roisee)

"Am I Dreaming" is a multi-layered anthem of resilience, identity, and perseverance, deeply intertwined with the narrative of the film Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse. The song serves as a powerful reflection of the protagonist Miles Morales' journey, capturing his struggles against overwhelming odds and his unwavering determination. The recurring question, "Am I dreamin'? Is there more like us?", encapsulates Miles' sense of isolation and his yearning to find others who share his unique burden and experience. It speaks to the core theme of the film: the feeling of being an outcast and the search for connection and belonging in a vast multiverse.

A$AP Rocky's verse, rapped from Miles' perspective, grounds the song in the specific reality of the character's life in Brooklyn. He references kissing his mother before facing danger and the "concrete jungle" of his home, blending the life of a teenager with the responsibilities of a superhero. This verse also parallels A$AP Rocky's own journey, intertwining his personal narrative of rising from humble beginnings with Miles' heroic arc. Roisee's powerful vocals channel the spirit of a young hero who, despite feeling beaten, refuses to give up the fight. Her verses articulate the internal struggle of facing adversity head-on, even when it feels like everyone is against you, and the determination not to let the opposition strip away what is held dear.

Beyond its connection to the film, the song carries a universal message about the human spirit's capacity to endure and thrive. It is a resonant call for anyone who has faced their own battles and dared to dream of something more. The lyrics champion resilience, self-reflection, and the courage to remain steadfast against external pressures and self-doubt, making it a source of solace and strength for listeners.

The song begins with a powerful and introspective question, repeated like a mantra of someone grappling with their reality and purpose. The narrator, feeling beaten down by immense pressure, questions if their experience is real or just a dream. There's a profound sense of isolation, a desperate query to the universe asking if there are others who share this unique and burdensome struggle. Despite feeling that the fight is almost too much to bear, there's an unbreakable spirit, a steadfast refusal to surrender. This opening sets a tone of weary but unwavering determination, a hero's internal monologue in the face of overwhelming odds.

A new voice enters, painting a picture of a journey from humble, challenging beginnings to a life of success and gratitude. This narrator reflects on waking up thankful, remembering days of hardship in his family's home, a stark contrast to his current status where he is now "laughin' to the bank." The lyrics detail a routine rooted in his origins, kissing his mother before facing potential danger ("code red") and finding comfort in simple, familiar things like a beef patty and cornbread from his old neighborhood. This section is a testament to staying grounded and remembering one's roots, even amidst fame and fortune. It speaks to a past where he and his friends were just kids with big dreams, and now, his world is a mix of his old life and the new, where friends from all walks of life coexist. This narrative parallels the central theme of overcoming adversity, showing the tangible results of the fight mentioned earlier.

The central theme of resilience is then powerfully revisited. The feeling of being worn down but not defeated, of questioning one's sanity and solitude in the struggle, echoes again. It’s a chorus that acts as the song's emotional anchor, a universal cry for anyone who has felt the weight of the world on their shoulders but found the strength to carry on. It's the moment of doubt that every hero faces before they dig deep to find their inner strength.

Another perspective emerges, delving deeper into the internal conflict. This narrator speaks of an inability to simply walk away from the fight, as doing so would mean losing everything that matters. There's a palpable sense of being opposed by everyone, a feeling that the world doesn't want to see them succeed. Despite this external antagonism and the daunting prospect of facing death, there is a courageous resolve. This section is about self-empowerment and making a conscious choice to prioritize oneself in the face of adversity. It's a declaration of self-worth, asking what's wrong with choosing to save oneself. The lyrics touch on a sense of betrayal, of losing love and support, but ultimately conclude with the unwavering belief that good will triumph in the end. It’s a powerful statement of self-belief and the conviction to keep fighting, no matter who stands in the way.

The song culminates by reinforcing its core message. The repetition of not being done fighting and the haunting question of "Am I dreaming?" create an emotional crescendo. It leaves the listener with a feeling of hope and perseverance. The journey is arduous, the loneliness is real, and the challenges are immense, but the will to continue, to fight for oneself and for what is right, is an unconquerable force. The song is an anthem for the isolated warrior, the dreamer fighting against a harsh reality, and anyone who has ever felt beaten but refused to be broken.

"Am I Dreaming" was created for the soundtrack of the 2023 animated film Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, with Metro Boomin serving as the executive producer for the entire album. The song was released on June 2, 2023, as the second track on the soundtrack. The creation process involved a collaborative effort between Metro Boomin and several other key producers and artists. The producers credited are Metro Boomin, Mike Dean, Peter Lee Johnson, and Scriptplugg. The songwriters include the producers along with A$AP Rocky (Rakim Mayers) and Roisee.

The instrumental's foundation came from a request Metro Boomin made to his frequent collaborator, violinist Peter Lee Johnson. Metro asked for "maximalist violins in the themes of 2010s era Kanye West," which resulted in the powerful string quartet sample that drives the track. Film co-writer and co-producer Phil Lord recounted that Metro Boomin texted him the strings sample, and then worked with producer Mike Dean to layer the distinctive synths over it, forming the basis of the song.

The track features the acclaimed New York rapper A$AP Rocky and introduces the promising St. Louis singer Roisee to a mainstream audience. Roisee's inclusion was particularly noted by critics as a standout moment on the soundtrack. The song received widespread critical acclaim and was even shortlisted for the Academy Award for Best Original Song at the 96th Academy Awards, though it did not receive a final nomination. "Am I Dreaming" plays during the opening sequence of the film's closing credits.

The rhythmic structure of "Am I Dreaming" is built upon a steady, mid-tempo trap beat at 90 BPM, set in a 4/4 time signature. This deliberate pace creates a feeling of a determined march, mirroring the lyrical themes of perseverance and relentless struggle. The interplay between the modern, syncopated trap percussion and the sweeping, classical rhythm of the string arrangement is a key element of the song's sonic identity, blending contemporary hip-hop with cinematic grandeur.

A$AP Rocky's verse demonstrates a sophisticated use of rhyme and rhythm. He employs a conversational flow with multi-syllable rhymes and internal rhymes to create a smooth, yet intricate, delivery. For instance, in the lines "Count up my 1s, lacin' up my favorite 1s / One-of-a-kind, one of one, the only one," he plays with the repetition and variation of the word "one." He also uses end rhymes that feel natural rather than forced, such as "forehead" with "cornbread," and "crib" with "coexist."

Roisee's chorus and verse feature a more straightforward rhyme scheme, often using couplets (AABB) like "walk away" and "be great," which makes the hook memorable and impactful. The lyrical rhythm is melodic and flows seamlessly with the underlying orchestral melody. The repetition of the chorus's rhythmic and melodic structure provides a powerful, anthemic quality, making it the emotional core of the song. The contrast between A$AP Rocky's more complex, rap-focused rhythm and Roisee's soaring, melodic rhythm adds dynamic variety to the track.

"Am I Dreaming" employs a powerful blend of musical and literary techniques to create its epic and emotional impact. Musically, the song is a fusion of genres, described as alternative hip-hop and baroque pop. A key stylistic choice is the prominent use of a live string quartet sample, composed by Peter Lee Johnson, which provides a dramatic, cinematic quality reminiscent of 2010s Kanye West productions. This orchestral element is overlaid with synthesizers, handled by Mike Dean, and a trap beat, creating a unique sonic texture that is both grand and modern. The track is set in the key of A minor with a tempo of 90 beats per minute, which contributes to its deliberate and resolute pace.

Lyrically, the song utilizes a strong narrative voice, primarily from the perspective of the film's protagonist, Miles Morales. This is achieved through direct first-person storytelling. A$AP Rocky's verse is rich with allusions and specific imagery related to Miles' life, such as kissing his mom and referencing Brooklyn staples like beef patties and cornbread, which grounds the superhero narrative in a relatable reality. The use of rhetorical questions, particularly the recurring "Am I dreamin'? Is there more like us?", is a central literary device that emphasizes themes of isolation, self-doubt, and the search for belonging. Roisee's vocal delivery is emotive and powerful, conveying a sense of defiance and vulnerability that enhances the song's emotional weight. Metro Boomin's signature producer tag "Metro" can be heard, subtly branding the track within his acclaimed discography.

"Am I Dreaming" achieved significant cultural impact primarily through its association with the critically and commercially successful film, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse. As a standout track from the soundtrack executive produced by Metro Boomin, the song is intrinsically linked to the film's powerful themes and stunning visuals, playing during the end credits. This placement cemented its role as an emotional capstone for the movie experience, leaving a lasting impression on audiences.

The song garnered widespread critical acclaim and was shortlisted for Best Original Song at the 96th Academy Awards, highlighting its recognition within the film and music industries. While it didn't secure a nomination, the shortlisting itself signifies a high level of artistic achievement. The track was also praised for introducing the wider public to the talented singer Roisee, whose performance was a celebrated highlight.

Within Metro Boomin's discography, the song and the entire soundtrack marked a significant achievement, allowing him to fulfill a long-held dream of scoring a film and further solidifying his reputation as one of hip-hop's most influential and versatile producers. The song's blend of orchestral grandeur and hip-hop sensibilities resonated strongly with fans, contributing to the overall cultural conversation surrounding the movie and its innovative artistic direction.

The central metaphor of the song is the question "Am I Dreaming?", which symbolizes the surreal and overwhelming nature of Miles Morales' life as Spider-Man. It reflects his disbelief at his reality, the existence of a multiverse of other spider-powered heroes, and the intense pressure he faces. This question also serves as a metaphor for the feeling of isolation and the search for kinship among those who feel different or burdened by unique challenges.

A$AP Rocky's verse uses the "concrete jungle" as a metaphor for New York City, which is not only Miles' home but also the challenging environment where he must operate as a hero. His lyrics about "lacin' up my favorite 1s" can be seen as a double metaphor: literally putting on his shoes, but also preparing for battle as the 'one and only' Spider-Man of his universe.

Roisee's lyrics contain the metaphor of fearlessly "look[ing] death in the face," which symbolizes her (and Miles') courage and resilience in the face of constant danger and opposition. The entire song acts as a narrative of a metaphorical battle, representing the internal and external conflicts of the protagonist. It's a fight against self-doubt, societal pressure, and the literal villains he must conquer. The struggle described is not just physical but deeply emotional and existential, a fight to maintain one's identity and purpose against all odds.

The most significant recurring phrase in "Am I Dreaming" is the titular question itself, often followed by "Is there more like us?". This lyrical motif is the central theme of the song, repeated throughout the chorus by Roisee. Its repetition hammers home the profound sense of isolation and disbelief experienced by the protagonist. It functions as an existential plea, questioning the strange reality of his life and desperately searching for a community of kindred spirits who understand his struggle. This phrase encapsulates the core emotional conflict of feeling utterly alone in an overwhelming situation.

Another key recurring idea is the declaration of resilience, expressed in phrases like "Not done fighting, I don't feel I've lost" and "I feel beaten, but I can't give up". This motif acts as a direct counterpoint to the vulnerability of the "Am I dreaming?" question. While one part of the narrator is lost in doubt, the other part is steadfast and defiant. The repetition of this fighting spirit reinforces the song's primary message of perseverance against all odds. Together, these two recurring motifs create a powerful emotional tension that drives the song's narrative: the struggle between feeling lost and the unwavering will to keep going.