In Dreams, RISE paints a moving picture of hope with an ache that we can all relate to, and that deeper emotional truth of the song encapsulates how we make plans even when we know life is unpredictable. There is strength in the way RISE courageously chooses to present this reality; it frames the truth about the human experience in a way that explains the fight—not the absence of hope, but the presence of it.

RISE deals with the truth of surviving life without easy answers. It paints a picture in the song where things actually do fall apart, things don’t go the way you planned most of the time, and there’s no formula to follow. And yet the song is one of absolute hope.Despite the world around us being uncertain and shaky, there is a faith that holds that it’s still worth continuing. The integrity of that message is what is compelling–it’s not trying to say that life is simple but still opting for courage and faith.

One of the strongest things the lyrics convey is the value of the person behind them. RISE aren’t dreaming alone. There is someone they look up to, someone who guides them and gives them advice. Someone that is a pillar of support and wisdom. Instead of acting as if they have all the answers themselves, RISE admits that they need someone and how valuable that relationship is. It’s a raw and truthful moment, one that shows us that dreaming is not always about ambition but the people that support us in the space in between.

The repetition of there not being a guide map nor a crystal ball is simply driving the message that life is anything but certain. But RISE does not see that as a negative thing. Instead, it’s part of the journey. The song is teaching us that even when we don’t have a perfect plan nor guarantee, we’re still going to try, still going to dream, and still go forward with what we love. And that makes the dreams we’re listening to sound that much more personal—they’re not about having all the answers but about having the bravery to go forward in spite of.

The final repetition of the chorus gives off the feeling that this is a never ending journey. RISE is not claiming to have all the answers—they are being depicted as someone who is still on that journey, still dreaming, still reaching. The soft and gentle tones in the language allows the listener to be part of the journey and is easy to resonate with.

The final repetition of the chorus gives the sense that the journey is far from over. RISE is not declaring that they have achieved all of the answers—they’re still on that journey, still dreaming and still striving for it. Soothing, inspiring word choice encourages the listener to embark on that journey with them and makes it something reachable. 

Overall, the words of RISE’s Dreams are honest and raw as well as inspiring. They don’t offer neat answers and pretend that everything in life is a straightforward path. Instead, they respect the process of struggling forward, the courage of planning for the unknown, and the strength that we gain from the people we travel with. It is a beautiful declaration of what it is like to continue dreaming when the way forward is not set.