By Gary Bennett
I had a dream last night.
I realize this probably doesn’t sound unusual to you. But, to me, it was. I hardly ever dream. At least I don’t think so.
Scientists say most people dream but don’t remember them. I probably fall into that category. Scientists also say the purpose of dreaming is to “help analyze and consolidate memories, a process where recent, learned experiences are converted into long-term storage.” I guess that that makes sense but still doesn’t explain the sensation of falling out of an airplane, showing up at work naked or snake monsters.
Naturally, last night’s dream got me to thinking about classic rock songs about dreaming. Why? Because I love classic rocks songs and because popular music tends to cover all the esoteric feelings and experiences we all share. If listening to love songs can help make you a more loving or romantic person, which I believe, why can’t songs about dreams make you a “dreamier” person?
Unfortunately, it seems that most songs about dreams are not really about dreams at all, at least not in the sleeping sense. No, they are more about conscious dreaming and trying to reach your full potential.
Still, I think I’ll give it a try tonight by listening to my top ten classic rock songs about dreams and see if I can repeat last night’s performance.
10. “DAYDREAM BELIEVER”
The Monkees, 1968
Tuneful, repetitive song about the sweet boredom of suburban life delivered up by the fun loving boys of ‘60s bubblegum rock.
“Cheer up Sleepy Jean, Oh, what can it mean, To a daydream believer, And a homecoming queen?”
9. “DREAMS”
Fleetwood Mac, 1977
Haunting melody and cryptic lyrics by Stevie Nicks poking fun at her cheating boyfriend and bandmate at the time, Lindsey Buckingham.
“Thunder only happens when it’s raining, Players only love you when they’re playing.”
8. “YOUR WILDEST DREAMS”
The Moody Blues, 1986
Thoughtful lyrics and upbeat groove exploring whether a lost love ever thinks about you “in their wildest dreams.”
“Once upon a time, Once when you were mine, I remember skies, Reflected in your eyes.”
7. “BOULEVARD OF BROKEN DREAMS”
Green Day, 2004
Moody, reflective song covering heartbreaking loneliness and lost dreams.
“I walk this empty street, On the boulevard of broken dreams, Where the city sleeps, And I’m the only one, And I walk alone.”
6. “ENTER SANDMAN”
Metallica, 1991
These heavy metal rockers serve up a terrifying lullaby with an unforgettable guitar lick. Have to blast this one full volume for the best effect.
“Say your prayers little one, Don’t forget, my son, To include everyone, I tuck you in, warm within, Keep you free from sin.”
5. “#9 DREAM”
John Lennon, 1974
A soothing, haunting, spiritual song that reportedly sprang from a real dream. One of his best.
“Dream, dream away, Magic in the air, Was magic in the air?, I believe, yes, I believe, More I cannot say, On a river of sound.”
4. “DREAM ON”
Aerosmith, 1973
This timeless masterpiece with the unforgettable opening chords implores us to live for today because tomorrow is not promised.
“Every time that I look in the mirror, All these lines on my face getting clearer, The past is gone, It went by like dusk to dawn.”
3. “CALIFORNIA DREAMIN’”
The Mamas and the Papas, 1965
A lovely call and response song with impeccable harmonies about longing for something you can’t have.
“All the leaves are brown, And the sky is gray, I went for a walk, On a winter’s day, I’d be safe and warm, If I was in LA.”
2. “DAYDREAM”
Lovin’ Spoonful, 1966
A carefree, feel-good song about being so much in love, it’s like a daydream. Terrific tenor vocal from John Sebastian.
“I’ve been having a sweet dream, I been dreamin’ since I woke up today, It’s starring me and my sweet dream, ‘Cause she’s the one makes me feel this way.”
- “ALL I HAVE TO DO IS DREAM”
Everly Brothers, 1958
This sweet, classic song extols the virtues of dreaming to be reunited with the one you love. Impeccable harmonies introduced America to this classic duo.
“When I want you in my arms, When I want you and all your charms, Whenever I want you, All I have to do is dream, dream, dream.”
Honorable Mentions:
Jim Croce’s “Dreamin’ Again,” Crowded House’s ”Don’t Dream It’s Over,” Bobby Darin’s “Dream Lover,” The Eurythmics’ “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This),” Heart’s “These Dreams,” Billy Joel’s “The River of Dreams,” Gordon Lightfoot’s “Summertime Dream,” Kenny Nolan’s “I Like Dreamin’,” Billy Ocean’s “Get Out of My Dreams, Get Into My Car,” Elvis Presley’s “If I Can Dream,” The Romantics’ “Talking in Your Sleep,” The Talking Heads’ “Dream Operator,” and Gary Wright’s “Dream Weaver.”