Aerosmith’s “Dream On” as Care Diem

The Work The work under consideration is the song “Dream On” by the American rock band Aerosmith. They released this song on their self-titled debut album in 1973.

Thesis The song “Dream On” embodies the carpe diem philosophy.

Carpe Diem According to the Bedford Glossary of Critical and Literary Terms, Carpe Diem is Latin for “Seize the day” which is a classic term for a theme, especially in lyric poetry, that “we should enjoy the moment before it is gone, before youth passes away” (40).

“Dream On” First Verse Every time I look in the mirror All these lines on my face getting clearer The past is gone It went by like dusk to dawn Isn't that the way? Everybody's got their dues in life to pay

“Dream On” First Verse The first verse gives the listener the definite sense of time passing, and a sense of regret that time has passed so quickly. This sets up the idea that although we may not realize it, that not enjoying the moment may lead to this sense of regret.

“Dream On” First Chorus Yeah, I know nobody knows Where it comes and where it goes I know it's everybody's sin You got to lose to know how to win

“Dream On” First Chorus This part again highlights the sense of time passing and also gives a sense of missed or wasted opportunities with the lines “ I know it’s everybody’s sin/you’ve got to lose to know how to win.”

“Dream On” Second Verse Half my life's in books' written pages Live and learn from fools and from sages You know it's true All the things come back to you

“Dream On” Second Verse This part of the song gives the listener a sense of part of life having been spent and that the memories of what you’ve done with your life will “come back to you.”

“Dream On” Second Chorus Sing with me, sing for the year Sing for the laughter, sing for the tear Sing with me if it's just for today Maybe tomorrow the good Lord will take you away

“Dream On” Second Chorus This is the most repeated part of the song, and the part most obviously connected with carpe diem. Here we get the message that the singer, after having established regret that time has passed without enjoying the moment, to seize the moment and sing for both the happy and sad parts of life because, for all we know, we may pass away tomorrow (“Maybe tomorrow the good Lord will take you away”).

“Dream On” Call to Action Dream on, dream on, dream on, Dream yourself a dream come true Dream until your dreams come true

“Dream On” Call to Action Here, the singer further calls the listener to act, to “seize the day” by making his or her time count, to make his or her dreams come true.

Works Cited Murfin, Ross and Supryia M. Ray. The Bedford Glossary of Critical and Literary Terms. Bedford/St. Martin’s, 1998. Tyler, Stephen. “Dream On.” Aerosmith, Columbia Records, 1973.