“Fantasy” by Earth, Wind & Fire is a vibrant and uplifting song released in 1978, showcasing the band’s signature blend of funk, soul, and R&B. Written by Maurice White and Eddie Del Barrio, the track is a celebration of imagination and the limitless possibilities that come with it.
Its enchanting lyrics invite listeners to escape into a world of dreams and aspirations, emphasizing themes of love, unity, and personal freedom.
The song features soaring vocals from Philip Bailey, whose impressive range adds to the ethereal quality of the music. The instrumentation is rich and dynamic, incorporating a mix of horns, percussion, and rhythmic guitar that creates an infectious groove.
In this article, we’ll explore the message conveyed in the song’s lyrics.
Table of Contents
“Fantasy” Lyrics Meaning
Verse 1
Every man has a place
In his heart, there’s a space
And the world can’t erase his fantasies
This opening verse establishes the idea that every individual possesses an inner sanctuary for their dreams and aspirations. It suggests that no external force can diminish the power of one’s imagination or desires. The notion of a “place” in the heart signifies that these fantasies are deeply personal and integral to one’s identity.
Take a ride in the sky
On our ship, fantasize
All your dreams will come true right away
Here, the imagery of taking a “ride in the sky” symbolizes escapism and adventure. It invites listeners to engage in imaginative exploration, suggesting that through this journey, their dreams can be realized swiftly. The use of “our ship” implies a shared experience, emphasizing community and connection in pursuing these dreams.
Chorus
And we will live together
Until the twelfth of never
Our voices will ring forever, as one
The chorus reinforces themes of unity and eternal togetherness. “Until the twelfth of never” is a poetic way to express an infinite commitment to love and companionship. The idea that “our voices will ring forever” suggests harmony and collective strength in pursuing shared dreams.
Verse 2
Every thought is a dream
Rushing by in a stream
Bringing life to the kingdom of doing
This verse reflects on the transient nature of thoughts and dreams. It portrays them as fleeting yet vital components that contribute to action (“the kingdom of doing”). The imagery evokes a sense of urgency and flow, encouraging listeners to embrace their thoughts as catalysts for creativity and achievement.
Take a ride in the sky
On our ship, fantasize
All your dreams will come true miles away
Repeating earlier themes, this line emphasizes that even if dreams seem distant (“miles away”), they remain attainable through imagination and belief.
Chorus (Repetition)
Our voices will ring together
Until the twelfth of never
We all will live, love forever, as one
The repetition of this chorus reinforces its importance, reiterating unity and eternal love while also emphasizing collective aspirations.
Verse 3
Come to see victory
In the land called fantasy
Loving life, a new degree
Bring your mind to everlasting liberty
This verse invites listeners to envision success within their fantasies. The “land called fantasy” represents an idealized space where joy and freedom flourish. The phrase “everlasting liberty” suggests that embracing one’s fantasies leads to personal freedom and fulfillment.
Refrain
As one
This simple yet powerful refrain encapsulates the essence of unity and shared experience throughout the song.
Verse 4
You will find (You will find)
Other kind (Other kind)
That has been in search of you
These lines suggest that through embracing one’s fantasies, individuals may discover others who resonate with their aspirations. It speaks to the interconnectedness of people on similar journeys.
Many lives has brought you to
Recognize (Recognize), it’s your life now in review
This reflects on personal growth and self-discovery, indicating that past experiences have led to an understanding of one’s current life path.
Bridge
And as you stay for the play
Fantasy has in store for you
Glowing light will see you through
It’s your day, shining day
All your dreams come true
In this section, the metaphor of a “play” suggests that life is a performance filled with opportunities and experiences. The phrase “fantasy has in store for you” implies that embracing one’s imagination can lead to unexpected and delightful outcomes. The “glowing light” symbolizes hope and guidance, indicating that positivity will help navigate challenges. The repetition of “It’s your day, shining day” emphasizes the idea that today is the moment to realize dreams.
Final Lines
Oh-ah-oh-ah-oh-ohh
As you glide in your stride
With the wind as you fly away
Give a smile from your lips and say
‘I am free. Yes, I’m free. Now, I’m on my way’
These lines evoke a sense of liberation and joy. The imagery of gliding with the wind suggests ease and grace in moving forward. The act of smiling and proclaiming freedom signifies a personal transformation and readiness to embrace life’s journey. It encourages listeners to express their newfound freedom and confidence as they pursue their dreams.
Conclusion
Come to see victory
In a land called fantasy
Loving life for you and me
To behold, to your soul is ecstasy
The concluding lines reiterate the invitation to explore the world of fantasy, where love and joy are abundant. The phrase “to behold, to your soul is ecstasy” suggests that engaging with one’s dreams brings profound happiness and fulfillment.
You will find other kind
That has been in search of you
Many lives has brought you to
Recognize, it’s your life now in review
The closing lines echo earlier sentiments about connection and self-discovery. They highlight that through the journey of life, individuals may encounter kindred spirits who share similar aspirations.
Deeper Meaning Behind “Fantasy”
“Fantasy” by Earth, Wind & Fire is a rich and evocative song that explores themes of imagination, escapism, and the transformative power of dreams. Released in 1978, it combines elements of funk, soul, and R&B, creating a sound that transcends genres and resonates deeply with listeners.
The song serves as a celebration of the power of imagination. Its lyrics suggest a longing for a world where anything is possible, offering a stark contrast to the challenges and injustices of reality.
Maurice White, one of the band’s founders, described “Fantasy” as an escape mechanism from a world that can often feel selfish and envious. He emphasized that there exists a personal “land called fantasy” where individuals can find solace and victory over life’s obstacles.
The chorus encapsulates this idea beautifully:
“Fantasy is magic
That magic is me
Fantasy is all I need
Just let my fantasy set you free.”
This refrain highlights the notion that embracing one’s fantasies can lead to liberation and joy. The song encourages listeners to dream big and believe in the possibilities that lie within their imaginations.
The inspiration for the song came after White viewed Close Encounters of the Third Kind, which sparked his creativity and led to the writing of its lyrics in one night. He aimed to share this imaginative space with listeners, inviting them into a realm where they could escape their daily realities.
“Fantasy” has become an anthem for liberation and creativity, resonating with audiences across generations. Its message remains relevant today, reminding us that even amidst adversity, our dreams can serve as powerful motivators for change and personal growth.
Jacob Carter is a lyricist. He created the lyrics writing course to teach people how to analyze and write lyrics. He graduated from the University of Oxford with a degree in English Literature, so he’s skilled at playing with words.
He’s also an amateur guitarist, which means he knows music and melody very well. With this background, he’s a great lyricist you can rely on to learn writing lyrics.