Dreams, and their realisation, are more important than ever in today’s world, and whilst the song taken at face value could be about the usual everyday dreams of the likes of you and me, the accompanying video leaves no question as to the true nature and specific subject of the song. As the second part of the title makes clear, the dream here is a prophecy, and its predictions are for Ukraine to be able to have a peaceful future away from the horrors of war that it is now subjected to. No idle daydream, no mere wish fulfilment, this dream is one that we can all participate in. A shared and lucid dream with the power to to change reality. And if O’dream is the catalyst, it is what we do in the waking hours that will make the real difference.
As dreamlike images of serenity are juxtaposed with scenes of demonstration, specifically Ukrainians and their allies protesting against the war that ravages their country, a war not of their making, it is clear that the focus of the song is the illegal and unholy war imposed on their homeland by Russia, more particularly Putin.
Music has always been used to make poignant political statements, from the punk and hip-hop movements back through the folk revivalists of the 60s and before through time, from soldiers marching songs to miners hymns, from Luddite machine breakers to medieval rebel tunes. The connection between contemporary music and political comment and protest has been lost in modern times, which is why O’dream is essential. Not only does it make a stance for the cause it supports, but it also reminds us of contemporary music’s platform, the potential power and reach it commands.
Musically the song is that perfect blend of grace and groove, delicacy and dexterousness, with verses taking more soulful and serene forms before the choruses build into more punchy and powerful deliveries. Add some very effective playing and a guitar solo that feels as effortless as otherworldly, and you have a fantastic
But as good as it is when taken on its own, the song is also an awareness-raising art attack. The song and the accompanying video are part of the Fight 4 Freedom campaign, which aims to bring more support to Ukraine and its fight for liberty and justice. If you feel there is nothing you can do to help support the Ukrainian people, as many of us sitting safely in the west do, find out more about Fight 4 Freedom and other worthy causes. Many of which can be found as links in the footnotes of the video.
And returning to the video, if you think that song and lyrics are powerful, then this video shows you the power of the visual image. Contrasting the beauty and joyful splendour of the country with stark martial scenes, crowds of protestors with shots of the devastation already taking place with reminders of a more peaceful state, a state that they dream of returning to.
Songs are powerful things, and this is no exception. And it is a song which works on many levels. If taken at face value, it is an anthemic pop song that alludes to dreams of a world different to how it is now, a song of peace and freedom. But you add in the video that it specifically points to one conflict in particular and rallies against the horrors and the injustice of the second Russian invasion of Ukraine. And even then, it steps up again. Not just content to make itself heard and draw attention to the situation, through sound and image, emotion and sentiment, it looks you directly in the eye and asks you to help.
Yes, music is powerful, but rarely as powerful as this!
