About
These Dreams, written by Robbie Williams and Guy Chambers, closes I've Been Expecting You on a reflective note. Built around a steady mid-tempo rhythm and layered harmonies, the song explores themes of escapism and imagination, offering a gentler conclusion to an album often marked by tension and defiance. Its title and dreamlike production evoke withdrawal into fantasy as a form of self-preservation.
Musically, These Dreams draws on soft rock and 1970s pop influences, combining melodic piano and atmospheric guitar textures. The lyrics suggest an inner world that contrasts with fame’s public glare, an idea that recurs in much of Williams’ writing. Lines such as “How can you fight when she’s not the one under his arm?” reflect romantic disillusionment and self-questioning, while the repeated refrain “You’ve got tomorrow” closes the album with optimism rather than despair.
It’s about the worlds you build in your head, the dreams that keep you going when the real world feels too loud.Robbie Williams
Though never performed live, the song has been recognised by critics and fans as one of Williams’ more subtle album closers, showcasing his ability to shift from irony to sincerity. The track fades into atmospheric effects that link to the hidden material that follows, maintaining the cinematic continuity of the record.
Lyrics
With her hands in her head
And she screams
He gets a kick out of losing the plot so
it seems
He makes you all laugh so she's the one
Doing harm
But how can you fight when she's not
The one under his arm
These dreams have let you down
Take it don't break it just turn it around
These dreams won't let you down
You never stopped loving his misfortunate
Lazy ways
All the memories that you should've had
Are a cabaret haze
There's just a hole where you know he
Should've been
There's no one worse off than you
When you can't describe what you've seen
These dreams have let you down
Take it don't break it just turn it around
These dreams won't let you down
Where do you go when you're all alone
In your bed
Do you cry in your sleep 'cos it's
Better unsaid
Have you forgotten your past because
That's how it seems
Is it too hard to think so you edit
Your dreams
And play them back again and again
These dreams have let you down
Take it don't break it just turn it around
These dreams won't let you down
You've got tomorrow tomorrow
You've got tomorrow tomorrow
You've got tomorrow tomorrow
You've got tomorrow tomorrow
You've got tomorrow tomorrow
Credits
-
Vocalist
Robbie Williams -
Songwriter
Robbie Williams, Guy Chambers