Yesterday I saw an episode of VH1's "I love the 80's Strikes Back 1986" and the song "Don't Dream It's Over" by Crowded House was mentioned as one of the break-up songs of that year, which made me start to ponder what that song was actually about; some people might consider it a romantic ballad, while others might think it's a commentary on what the world was like in the mid to late 80's.

To me, it sounds like he's saying that even though the end of the world may be nearing, you shouldn't give up on life and especially love.  I guess there are many different ways of interpreting the lyrics, though.

Here are the actual lyrics...
Don´t Dream Its Over

There Is Freedom Within, There Is Freedom Without
try To Catch The Deluge In A Paper Cup
there's A Bottle Ahead, Many Battles Are Lost
but You'll Never See The End Of The Road
while You're Travelling With Me

hey Now, Hey Now, Don't Dream It's Over
hey Now, Hey Now, When The World Comes In
they Come, They Come To Build A Wall Between Us
we Know They Won't Win

now I'm Towing My Car, There's A Hole In The Roof
my Possessions Ore Causing Me Suspicion But There's No Proof
in The Paper Today Tales Of War And Of Waste
but You Turn Right Over To The Tv Page

hey Now, Hey Now, Don't Dream It's Over
hey Now, Hey Now, When The World Comes In
they Come, They Come To Build A Wall Between Us
we Know They Won't Win

now I'm Walking Again To The Beat Of A Drum
and I'm Counting The Steps To The Door Of Your Heart
only Shadows Ahead Barely Clearing The Roof
get To Know The Feeling Of Liberation And Relief

hey Now, Hey Now, Don't Dream It's Over
hey Now, Hey Now, When The World Comes In
they Come, They Come To Build A Wall Between Us
we Know They Won't Win
don't Let Them Win - Hey Now, Hey Now
hey Now, Hey Now - Hey Now, Hey Now
don't Let Them Win, Don't Let Them Win

To me, it sounds like its about a couple's struggle to stay together even though the odds (parents, friends, whatever) may be against them or tell them it won't work.
I don't think its a break up song as much as it is an encouraging song from one lover to another. (another example is Bon Jovi's Living on a Prayer song)

I guess we were sort of thinking along the same lines.  Anyway, thanks for putting the complete lyrics out there too; there were a few lines from the second verse that I couldn't quite understand.

I imagine the only ones who could say exactly what the song is about are the member of Crowded House themselves (particularly Neil Finn, who wrote the song).

Quoting:
To me, it sounds like its about a couple's struggle to stay together even though the odds (parents, friends, whatever) may be against them or tell them it won't work.
I don't think its a break up song as much as it is an encouraging song from one lover to another. (another example is Bon Jovi's Living on a Prayer song)
End Quote

I agree with Rubixgirl.  I've always seen that song as a "against the odds" kind of song.  I really like the I Love The 80s (and strikes back), but they sometimes missed the boat on some things.  

I think a much more appropriate break-up song for 1986 that they didn't mention was "All Cried Out" by  Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam With Full Force.  But my opinion and 40 cents will buy you a cup of coffee!   ;D

Oh, I loved All Cried Out!! That was definitely more of a breakup song.

I think sometimes people mis-use/decipher songs. (i.e. The Police and Every Breath You Take.

I was watching True Spin on VH1 and they were talking about that song. And how at one point it was the number 1 song to get married to and Sting was saying how he felt sorry for anyone that used that as "their" song.
And he also said that the song wasn't about his obsession but about how he saw his ex wife's viewpoint when they got divorced b/c she would stalk him.