The song "The Rest Of The Dream" by John Hiatt tells a heartfelt story about the beauty and love of family. The lyrics describe the concept of life being a dream and how the love and support from our loved ones help us navigate through it. The song starts by painting the picture of a child being conceived as a surprise to their parents. The "tiny spark" refers to the child's existence starting from their conception. The parents' love and the "old man" (referring to the child's father) giving his best represents the dedication and sacrifice that parents make for their children. The mother's arms are described as providing warmth, love, and comfort like no other can. The chorus emphasizes the presence of the parents during difficult times. When the child can't find the light or feels scared and cries in the night, the parents are there to provide comfort and support. The "light of the day" symbolizes hope and reassurance, and the child knows in their heart that they are not alone and are living the rest of the dream, meaning they are experiencing the abundance of love and care their parents provide. The second verse takes a different perspective. Hiatt expresses his personal experience, saying that he had a dream of someone but didn't realize that the dream was true until this person opened his eyes. This can be interpreted as falling in love and being amazed by the love and presence of the other person. The bridge acknowledges that just like the parents, Hiatt promises to give his best and provide love and warmth to this person. His commitment parallels the love and support offered by the child's parents. In the final chorus, the lyrics return to the imagery of a new life being conceived, emphasizing the love and anticipation of the future. The reassurance that the parents will be there, just like in the earlier chorus, signifies the constancy of love and support. Overall, "The Rest Of The Dream" celebrates the power of love, family, and the significance of the relationships that guide us through life, bringing joy and comfort in the face of uncertainty.
