Empire Of The Sun – Walking On A Dream. Lyrics Meaning: Chasing That Unbelievable ‘Is This Real?’ Feeling

Ever had a moment so ridiculously perfect, so utterly blissful, that you had to stop and ask yourself if you were actually dreaming? You know the feeling. Maybe it was the instant you locked eyes with someone special across a crowded room, or the moment you finally achieved a goal you’d been chasing for years. It’s that dizzying, surreal high where reality feels way too good to be true.

That exact, electric feeling is the perfect snapshot of what it’s like to listen to this song. It’s a vibe that the Australian duo Empire Of The Sun managed to bottle up and set to an impossibly catchy synth-pop beat. So, let’s pull back the curtain on their iconic track, “Walking On A Dream,” and explore the vibrant, sun-drenched story it’s telling us. This isn’t just a song; it’s a feeling, a memory, and maybe even a premonition.

The Ethereal Vibe of ‘Walking On A Dream’ by Empire Of The Sun

First off, you can’t talk about this song without mentioning its sound. It’s pure, distilled optimism. The shimmering synthesizers, the steady, heartbeat-like drum machine, and Luke Steele’s unique, almost otherworldly vocals create a soundscape that feels both futuristic and ancient. It paints a picture in your mind, doesn’t it? You can almost see yourself driving through a desert at sunset, windows down, with this track blasting. It’s a song made for main character moments, for those times you feel like you’re living in a movie.

• Empire Of The Sun – We Are The People : An Anthem for a Dream We All Share
• Empire Of The Sun – Walking On A Dream : Chasing That Unbelievable ‘Is This Real?’ Feeling

Is This Real? Deciphering the Dream State

The song kicks off with a sense of genuine confusion and awe. The singer is in a state of euphoric disbelief, trying to process an experience that feels completely surreal. He’s questioning everything, and it’s so relatable.

Walking on a dream
How can I explain
Talking to myself
Will I see again

This isn’t just about a nice dream you have while sleeping. It’s about a waking moment that feels like a dream. He’s so caught up in this perfect experience that he’s worried it might be a fleeting illusion, something he’ll never get to experience again. It’s that pinch-me moment, articulated perfectly.

The Thrill of the Chase

But the song quickly reveals that this feeling isn’t accidental. It’s something that’s been actively pursued. The chorus is an anthem for anyone who lives for adventure and pushes boundaries to find moments of pure exhilaration.

We are always running for the thrill of it, thrill of it
Always pushing up the hill, searching for the thrill of it

This part suggests that life is about the journey—the “running” and the “pushing up the hill.” The “thrill” isn’t just handed to us; it’s the reward for our relentless pursuit of something more. It’s about chasing that high, whether it’s in love, in ambition, or just in life itself. There’s a powerful optimism here; a refusal to look down or be discouraged, focusing only on the amazing things ahead.

When Two People Become One: The Heart of the Song

While the song can be about chasing any dream, its emotional core is undeniably about a profound human connection. It’s about that magical, almost spiritual moment when you find someone who just… clicks. When your world and their world merge into something new and beautiful.

Is it real now
When two people become one
I can feel it
When two people become one

The repetition of this verse is brilliant. It mirrors the thoughts racing through your mind in a moment like that. First, the disbelief: “Is this really happening?”. Followed immediately by the undeniable certainty: “I can feel it.” It’s a feeling that transcends logic. It’s a soul-level connection, a sense of unity that’s so powerful it makes you question reality itself. The lyrics also hint that this love was unexpected, which makes it even more potent.

Thought I’d never see
The love you found in me

This line adds a layer of beautiful vulnerability. It’s the voice of someone who might have given up on finding such a deep connection, only to be completely swept away by it. It’s a testament to how transformative love can be.

Catch Me, I’m Falling: A Leap of Faith

As the song builds, there’s a moment of total surrender. This is where the trust comes in. Finding this dream-like state, especially with another person, requires you to let go of your fears and just fall into it.

Catch me I’m falling down
Catch me I’m falling down

And the response from the other side is one of pure support and encouragement. It’s not a fall into nothingness; it’s a fall into a safe embrace.

Don’t stop; just keep going on
I’m your shoulder, lean upon

This is the reassurance we all crave. It’s a promise to be there, to keep the dream going together. It beautifully captures the dynamic of a supportive partnership: one person takes a leap of faith, and the other is right there to catch them and urge them forward.

Ultimately, “Walking On A Dream” is an anthem for the dreamers, the lovers, and the thrill-seekers. The message is simple yet profound: embrace the incredible, surreal moments in life. Don’t question them too much; just feel them. The song encourages us to keep chasing that feeling, to keep pushing up that hill, because the view from the top—and the connection we find along the way—is worth every bit of the effort.

But hey, that’s just my take on it. Music is so personal, right? What does “Walking On A Dream” feel like to you? Does it remind you of a specific moment, a person, or a goal you were chasing? I’d love to hear your interpretation of this amazing track in the comments below!