Meaning of Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me by The Smiths

The overall theme of The Smiths song "Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me" is the longing for love and the constant disappointment that comes with it. The lyrics delve into the depths of loneliness and the yearning for genuine affection, while also exploring the false hope and despair that can accompany such desires.In the opening verse, Morrissey sings, "Last night I dreamt that somebody loved me, No hope, no harm, Just another false alarm." These lines are particularly poignant as they convey the desperate hope for love, only to be met with disappointment once again. This theme of false hope and repeated letdowns sets the tone for the rest of the song.Later in the song, the lyrics take a more introspective turn with the lines, "So tell me how long, Before the last one, And tell me how long, Before the right one." Here, the theme of longing for love continues, but with a twist. The lyrics suggest that there have been multiple failed attempts at finding love, each one bringing the narrator closer to the possibility of finding the "right" one. This notion highlights the ongoing search for love and the resilience it takes to keep believing in the possibility of finding it.One standout lyric that helps develop a more unexpected theme is, "This story is old, But it goes on." While on the surface this line can be interpreted as a realization that the desire for love is a common theme throughout history, it also explores the notion that despite the disappointments experienced, there is still hope. The story may be old, but it means that love, however elusive, is a timeless and enduring pursuit.Another crucial lyric in understanding the themes of the song is the repeated phrase, "No hope, no harm, Just another false alarm." This line delves deep into the emotions of the narrator, conveying not only the disappointment in the unrequited love experienced but also the numbness that accompanies it. The pain of constant rejection can dull and desensitize a person, leading them to view each potential encounter as another false alarm. This theme of emotional detachment and self-protection is an unexpected but vital aspect of the song's exploration of love.In the outro, Morrissey sings, "It goes on, And on." These final lines serve as a somewhat somber conclusion to the song's themes. Despite the longing for love, the repeated disappointments, and the emotional toll it takes, the desire for love never truly fades. The pursuit of love, with its constant ups and downs, continues on indefinitely. This theme speaks to the universal human experience of longing for connection and the never-ending cycle of hope and heartbreak.In conclusion, "Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me" by The Smiths explores the universal theme of longing for love and the recurring disappointment that often accompanies it. Through its lyrics, the song examines the false hope, emotional detachment, resilience, and enduring pursuit of love. While these themes may be unexpected, they beautifully tie back to the overarching theme of the song, creating a heartfelt and relatable exploration of the complexities of the human experience.