The “Dark” Meaning Behind “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” That You Might Have Missed the First Time

Most songs have hidden or dark meanings that writers either don’t want you to know or send listeners on a wild goose chase to discover. People usually view those meanings as less depressing than the ones behind Eurythmics’ “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)”.

The Eurythmics got the idea for “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” during their tour with the Tourists. But the band’s swift breakup due to the tension between members left Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart penniless, tear-stained, and disillusioned.

The Eurythmics’ Sweet Dream Come to Life

Although their romantic relationship ended with the Tourists’ disbanding, Lennox and Stewart continued to maintain their musical partnership. However, although the Tourists reached moderate popularity, Lonnox and Stewart wanted to start fresh with a brand new, experimental electronic sound.

This new sound led to a change in audience, leaving Lennox and Stewart facing many financial problems due to their decrease in popularity and show attendance.

“At one gig, we played to four people, drove home through the night in the snow and had to stop the car,” Stewart said in an article in The Guardian. “It was 6 am, and Annie was crying. I realised we needed some proper equipment, so we went to see the bank manager. Sat in his office, we were this odd couple. Amazingly, he lent us £5,000.”

With that five £5,000, they bought new equipment that they couldn’t get to work. “By this point, Annie was totally depressed,” Stewart said. “She was curled up on the floor in the foetal position when I managed to produce this beat and riff. She suddenly went: “What the hell is that?” and leapt up and started playing the other synthesiser. Between the two duelling synths we had the beginnings of Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This).”

They had the rhythm, but they still needed the song. Lennox ranted the words “Sweet dreams are made of this,” and the song started coming together.

“It was mind-blowing, but depressing,” Stewart said. “So I suggested the ‘hold your head up, moving on’ bit to make it more uplifting.

Finally, after prolonged turmoil, they had their song. Showcasing the harsh reality of chasing dreams, Eurythmics took their hardship and turned it into an award-winning classic.