I'm surprised how many people have interpreted this line as a kind of scolding, i.e. "don't play it safe."
After all the railing against war and conflict and bullshit politics that Ed and the band have done over the past decade, it seems clear to me that he's calling for an end to stupid (even contrived), unproductive, destructive "rivalries." Right vs. Left, Red State-Blue State, USA-Iran, etc. Insert your own of choice.
I can see a side of the argument where "rivals" push one another to better themselves in some sense, to achieve more. But in the context of this band's music and message, I have to take "rival" in its more confrontational sense.
He's saying that, in the end, we all have the same dreams. Dreams for the kind of happiness and security expressed in a song like Just Breathe or the inner peace achieved in Amongst the Waves. But the idea that our most basic needs and desires are universal isn't something that creeps into the conscious mind often enough (the "unthought") and leads to these rivalries. But, by and large, we're the same, wherever we live, under whatever flag (as "The End" says - "just a human being").
If you can step back for a moment and "dream the dreams of other men," you'll see that theirs are the same as yours, and perhaps then can get on with solving some of the bullshit that too often pushes those dreams out of reach.
Even the tone of his voice as he screams "rival" suggests not a call to action, but a plea for understanding. He's stating something he believes, but also pleading with you to really give it consideration.
Leash was a call to action, even confrontation ("troubled souls unite" & "drop the leash, get out of my fucking face").
Post subject: Re: Dream the dreams of other men, you will be no one's rival
Posted: Thu Sep 17, 2009 5:06 pm
Yeah Yeah Yeah
Joined: Fri Sep 02, 2005 3:02 pm Posts: 3391 Location: At work, at my desk.
Jaeti wrote:
I'm surprised how many people have interpreted this line as a kind of scolding, i.e. "don't play it safe."
After all the railing against war and conflict and bullshit politics that Ed and the band have done over the past decade, it seems clear to me that he's calling for an end to stupid (even contrived), unproductive, destructive "rivalries." Right vs. Left, Red State-Blue State, USA-Iran, etc. Insert your own of choice.
I can see a side of the argument where "rivals" push one another to better themselves in some sense, to achieve more. But in the context of this band's music and message, I have to take "rival" in its more confrontational sense.
He's saying that, in the end, we all have the same dreams. Dreams for the kind of happiness and security expressed in a song like Just Breathe or the inner peace achieved in Amongst the Waves. But the idea that our most basic needs and desires are universal isn't something that creeps into the conscious mind often enough (the "unthought") and leads to these rivalries. But, by and large, we're the same, wherever we live, under whatever flag (as "The End" says - "just a human being").
If you can step back for a moment and "dream the dreams of other men," you'll see that theirs are the same as yours, and perhaps then can get on with solving some of the bullshit that too often pushes those dreams out of reach.
Even the tone of his voice as he screams "rival" suggests not a call to action, but a plea for understanding. He's stating something he believes, but also pleading with you to really give it consideration.
Leash was a call to action, even confrontation ("troubled souls unite" & "drop the leash, get out of my fucking face").
Unthought Known is a call for empathy.
This is exaclty how i took it: essentially, let's all work together to solve hummanity's larger problems.
Post subject: Re: Dream the dreams of other men, you will be no one's rival
Posted: Thu Sep 17, 2009 5:35 pm
Force of Nature
Joined: Sun Jan 11, 2009 3:44 pm Posts: 775 Location: כאן Gender: Female
Jaeti wrote:
I'm surprised how many people have interpreted this line as a kind of scolding, i.e. "don't play it safe."
After all the railing against war and conflict and bullshit politics that Ed and the band have done over the past decade, it seems clear to me that he's calling for an end to stupid (even contrived), unproductive, destructive "rivalries." Right vs. Left, Red State-Blue State, USA-Iran, etc. Insert your own of choice.
I can see a side of the argument where "rivals" push one another to better themselves in some sense, to achieve more. But in the context of this band's music and message, I have to take "rival" in its more confrontational sense.
He's saying that, in the end, we all have the same dreams. Dreams for the kind of happiness and security expressed in a song like Just Breathe or the inner peace achieved in Amongst the Waves. But the idea that our most basic needs and desires are universal isn't something that creeps into the conscious mind often enough (the "unthought") and leads to these rivalries. But, by and large, we're the same, wherever we live, under whatever flag (as "The End" says - "just a human being").
If you can step back for a moment and "dream the dreams of other men," you'll see that theirs are the same as yours, and perhaps then can get on with solving some of the bullshit that too often pushes those dreams out of reach.
Even the tone of his voice as he screams "rival" suggests not a call to action, but a plea for understanding. He's stating something he believes, but also pleading with you to really give it consideration.
Leash was a call to action, even confrontation ("troubled souls unite" & "drop the leash, get out of my fucking face").
Unthought Known is a call for empathy.
Nice I like this better.
_________________ "Nobody knows what's wrong with themselves, and everyone else can see it right away."
Post subject: Re: Dream the dreams of other men, you will be no one's rival
Posted: Thu Sep 17, 2009 5:44 pm
Force of Nature
Joined: Sun Jan 09, 2005 12:28 am Posts: 331 Location: St. Paul, MN Gender: Male
How about something like this... When Tiger Woods is at the top of his game, he has no rival. He is the best and you can't take that away. If you can dream the dreams of other men, you'll also be no one's rival. No one can take away from you what you've accomplished. Being able to see others' dreams puts you in a higher place. Not competitively, but above not being able to see past your own dreams.
edit: combine that with what Jaeti said. That's a good one.
Post subject: Re: Dream the dreams of other men, you will be no one's rival
Posted: Thu Sep 17, 2009 7:31 pm
Former PJ Drummer
Joined: Thu Nov 25, 2004 3:00 pm Posts: 19826 Location: Alone in a corridor
Live your own dreams. You might have people who will be up against you. But it's your own dreams. Live someone else's dreams and you'll be much relaxer, but at the end of the day, will you be happier?
Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 3 guests
You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot post attachments in this forum
I like this better.
