Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: singer-songwriter
Song Meaning of “Napoleon’s Dream – Bonus Track” by Angus Stone
“Napoleon’s Dream” by Angus Stone captures the longing and ennui of a man with ambition, unable to fulfil his ambitions and dreams. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of Napoleon, living in a dream-like state, desperately wishing that he could fulfill his ambitions and pursue his goals, but never being able to do so. The narrator speaks of the ‘silver lure’ of ambition; the desire that drives people to want to achieve greatness no matter what, but also the loneliness and sorrow that comes with not being able to achieve it.
The song expresses feelings of regret, dissatisfaction, and sadness, as Napoleon realizes that nothing he does will ever be enough; that his ambitions will never be fulfilled. The song reflects upon the fact that life is often full of sanguine ambitions and dreams, but that often, these dreams are left unrealized and unfulfilled. The narrator in “Napoleon’s Dream” speaks of frustration, pain, and emptiness that comes from knowing one’s dreams are unfulfillable.
Ultimately, “Napoleon’s Dream” serves as a somber reminder that we all have ambitions, but that sometimes, the barriers of time and circumstances prevent us from achieving those goals and dreams. It serves both to encourage listeners to take risks and pursue their dreams, but also to prepare them for the possibility that not all ambitions are meant to be.