They come, they come to build a wall between us/
We know they won’t win.

“Don’t Dream It’s Over” by Crowded House  explores the idea that life is hard–and relationships are too. Together they seem impossible-it seems amazing that we make it through the day. There are problems that we will face that will make it difficult to go on and will challenge even the strongest relationships. Finn is pointing out this basic reality of life to his significant other while also encouraging her to remain strong. He says to her, “Don’t Dream its Over”. These external forces should not break them apart.

“Don’t Dream it’s Over” has a catchy chorus and phrase (“hey now, hey now! Don’t dream it’s over.”), and Finn’s vocal is great. The lyrics and sentiment are timeless–and are especially relevant to a young audience– so I assume this will always remain a classic. It is the only song that I can think of that uses an organ for its solo. And it works.

Even when performing solo, Finn uses the organ for the solo. Some artists will experiment with the solo instruments on tour; this tells me he thinks the instruments’ sound is intrinsic to the song. To be sure, whenever I hear a wailing organ I do think of this song.

This song is a great 80s song that manages to transcend the time period and is one of the best songs of the decade.

Don’t Dream It’s Over Lyrics

There is freedom within, there is freedom without,
Try to catch the deluge in a paper cup.
There’s a battle ahead, many battles are lost,
But you’ll never see the end of the road
While you’re traveling with me.

Hey now, hey now!
Don’t dream it’s over.
Hey now, hey now,
When the world comes in.
They come, they come
To build a wall between us.
We know they won’t win.

Now I’m towing my car, there’s a hole in the roof,
My possessions are causing me suspicion but there’s no proof.
In the paper today, tales of war and of waste,
But you turn right over to the T.V. page.

Hey now, hey now!
Don’t dream it’s over.
Hey now, hey now,
When the world comes in,
They come, they come
To build a wall between us.
We know they won’t win.

Now I’m walking again to the beat of a drum,
And I’m counting the steps to the door of your heart.
Only shadows ahead barely clearing the roof,
Get to know the feeling of liberation and release.

Hey now, hey now!
Don’t dream it’s over.
Hey now, hey now,
When the world comes in,
They come, they come
To build a wall between us.
We know they won’t win.

Don’t let them win (hey now, hey now, hey now, hey now),
Hey now, hey now.
Don’t let them win (they come, they come),
Don’t let them win (hey now, hey now, hey now, hey now).

written by Neil Finn