Many a song has been written about dreams. From the Everly Brothers in the 50’s to more reasons iterations like you’ll find in the movie The Greatest Showman. We’ve taken a deep dive into all the songs about dreams written over the past couple of centuries and created our shortlist of just 23 songs.
Take a look at the list and let us know what you think!
Contents
- 1. Dreams – Fleetwood Mac
- 2. Sweet Dreams – Eurythmics
- 3. Dream On – Aerosmith
- 4. Teenage Dream – Katy Perry
- 5. All I Have to Do Is Dream – The Everly Brothers
- 6. Boulevard Of Broken Dreams – Green Day
- 7. Don’t Dream It’s Over – Crowded House
- 8. Dreamlover – Mariah Carey
- 9. Just a Dream – Nelly
- 10. You Make My Dreams – Daryl Hall & John Oates
- 11. Dream a Little Dream of Me – Ozzie Nelson
- 12. Wildest Dreams – Taylor Swift
- 13. Sweet Dreams – Beyoncé
- 14. Daydream Believer – the Monkees
- 15. Dreams – The Cranberries
- 16. Dreaming – Blondie
- 17. These Dreams – Heart
- 18. A Million Dreams – Ziv Zaifman, Hugh Jackman, Michelle Williams
- 19. Dreams – Gabrielle
- 20. Dreamer – Supertramp
- 21. Dream Weaver – Gary Wright
- 22. Rêverie – Claude Debussy
- 23. Daysleeper – R.E.M.
- Dream On!
1. Dreams – Fleetwood Mac
Dreams by Fleetwood Mac is a classic. It’s a standout track from their hit album Rumours. Stevie Nicks wrote it in just 10 minutes!
The song was recorded during a tough time for the band. Relationships were ending and emotions were high. But they channeled that energy into something beautiful.
The dreamy lyrics and catchy beat make it unforgettable. Nicks’ vocals are haunting yet soothing. And the instrumentation is top-notch, especially Mick Fleetwood’s hypnotic drumming.
Dreams has stood the test of time. It’s been covered by artists like The Corrs and sampled by many others and, in 2020, it even went viral on TikTok!
There’s a reason Rolling Stone named it one of the greatest songs ever. Dreams is a true gem that captures Fleetwood Mac’s magic.
2. Sweet Dreams – Eurythmics
“Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” is a synth-pop masterpiece by British duo Eurythmics. Released in 1983, it was their breakthrough hit worldwide.
The song’s iconic music video features Annie Lennox with striking orange hair and a man’s suit. Bold and androgynous.
Recorded in a small attic studio with minimal gear, the track heralded a DIY trend in music production. Simple yet brilliant.
“Sweet Dreams” is a timeless classic. Misheard lyrics and all, it still captivates audiences today.
3. Dream On – Aerosmith
“Dream On” is a classic power ballad and became Aerosmith’s first major hit. The song showcases Steven Tyler’s incredible vocals and screams.
Tyler wrote the lyrics at age 14, inspired by his father’s piano playing. He says it’s about “dreaming until your dreams come true.” The song builds to an epic climax.
“Dream On” is an Aerosmith staple, often performed live with an orchestra. It’s been dedicated to fans and featured on many compilations. In 2002, Eminem sampled it in “Sing for the Moment.”
A true rock classic. Timeless and powerful.
4. Teenage Dream – Katy Perry
Next on our list of songs about dreams is “Teenage Dream”. This is a throwback to the exhilaration of young love.
Perry’s vocals are strong and emotive. They perfectly capture the song’s wistful, romantic vibe. The dreamy production is retro yet fresh.
“Teenage Dream” topped charts worldwide upon release. It remains one of Perry’s most iconic hits.
5. All I Have to Do Is Dream – The Everly Brothers
Dreamy vocals. Gentle guitars. The Everly Brothers’ 1958 hit “All I Have to Do Is Dream” is simply magical.
The song topped charts worldwide. It even claimed the No. 1 spot on all Billboard singles charts simultaneously — a rare feat.
Countless artists have covered this timeless classic. From Richard Chamberlain to The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, its legacy endures. The song’s enchanting melody and heartfelt lyrics continue to captivate listeners across generations.
6. Boulevard Of Broken Dreams – Green Day
Green Day’s “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” is a power ballad masterpiece. It’s the ultimate post-party comedown song. Melancholic and introspective.
The lyrics follow American Idiot’s protagonist, Jesus of Suburbia, as he wanders the city streets alone after the rager in “Holiday”. Somber and bleak vibes abound.
But there’s beauty in the despair. Acoustic and electric guitars intertwine perfectly with Billie Joe Armstrong’s raw, emotive vocals. The song builds to an epic, distorted climax.
“Boulevard” was a smash hit, topping charts worldwide and winning prestigious awards like the Grammy for Record of the Year. An undisputed Green Day classic.
7. Don’t Dream It’s Over – Crowded House
Crowded House is next on our list of songs about dreams. Released in 1986, it became an international success. The song topped charts in multiple countries.
Neil Finn’s dreamy vocals and the band’s lush instrumentation make it unforgettable. The music video, directed by Alex Proyas, features surreal visuals that perfectly complement the song’s ethereal vibe. Stunning.
“Don’t Dream It’s Over” has been covered by numerous artists, a testament to its enduring appeal. Paul Young and Sixpence None the Richer both released notable versions.
8. Dreamlover – Mariah Carey
“Dreamlover” is a dreamy, feel-good tune by Mariah Carey which was released in 1993 and samples an old Emotions song.
Carey worked with Dave Hall to create a fresh, hip-hop influenced sound. It was a departure from her previous album Emotions.
“Dreamlover” topped the Billboard Hot 100 for eight weeks. Wow! It was a smash hit globally too.
Critics praised the song’s breezy, carefree vibe. Carey’s restrained vocals are on point and the production is top-notch.
The music video is pure summer fun. Carey frolics in fields and swims with her dog Jack. Cute!
“Dreamlover” is a Mariah classic. It’s the perfect pop/R&B jam to brighten your day. Sing along and drift away with Mimi!
9. Just a Dream – Nelly
This song about dreams samples a track by French singer Serge Gainsbourg. But the lyrics are all Nelly.
“Just a Dream” was a chart-topper. It sold over 4 million copies in the US alone.
The dramatic black-and-white music video features Nelly in a floating car. His dream girl, home, and wedding ring burst into flames.
Nelly won “Top Streaming Song” for “Just a Dream” at the 2011 Billboard Music Awards. A well-deserved victory for this unforgettable track.
10. You Make My Dreams – Daryl Hall & John Oates
This classic song about dreams was released in 1980 and is still a bop. It peaked at #5 on the Billboard Hot 100.
The song came about by accident. Oates and his guitarist were jamming, combining delta blues and Texas swing. The iconic piano riff is played on a rare Yamaha CP-30.
You Make My Dreams has been featured in films like (500) Days of Summer and Ready Player One. It was also used as the Toronto Maple Leafs’ goal song. The track is certified Gold in the UK, having sold over a million copies.
11. Dream a Little Dream of Me – Ozzie Nelson
First released in 1931 by Nelson, it was a huge hit. Nelson’s version was soon followed by many others. Artists like Wayne King and Ernie Birchill jumped on the bandwagon. In total, the song has been covered over 400 times!
Some of the most notable versions include recordings by Cass Elliot, Ella Fitzgerald, and Louis Armstrong. Robbie Williams even did a charming duet with Lily Allen in 2013. Brilliant!
12. Wildest Dreams – Taylor Swift
“Wildest Dreams” is a dreamy synth-pop song by Taylor Swift. It’s full of lush strings and pulsing synths. So atmospheric!
The lyrics are about a romance that’s doomed from the start. Swift begs her lover to remember her fondly, even if only in his “wildest dreams.” Haunting stuff.
Critics compared the track to Lana Del Rey’s music. Some praised the production and vocals. Others found it a bit derivative.
Still, “Wildest Dreams” was a big hit! It reached #5 on the Billboard Hot 100. The music video, set in 1950s Africa, also made waves.
13. Sweet Dreams – Beyoncé
This is electropop at its finest, with a thumping beat that gets you moving. The sliding bassline gives it a dark, edgy vibe that’s totally addictive.
Beyoncé’s vocals are slinky and seductive. She sings about a relationship that could be a “sweet dream or a beautiful nightmare.” It’s mysterious and alluring.
“Sweet Dreams” was a hit, topping charts around the world. The music video is epic, with Beyoncé rocking fierce fashion and killer choreography. Robotic moves, mirrored visuals – it’s mesmerizing.
Overall, “Sweet Dreams” showcases Beyoncé’s incredible artistry. Infectious sound, captivating visuals, powerhouse vocals. Iconic!
14. Daydream Believer – the Monkees
This song about dreams by the Monkees was released in 1967 topping the charts and became their last #1 single in the US. Wow!
The song was written by John Stewart and features Davy Jones on lead vocals. It’s a catchy tune with clever lyrics about a comfy but distant relationship.
Anne Murray covered the song in 1979, scoring a top 3 country hit and #12 on the Hot 100. She later re-recorded it as a duet with Nelly Furtado in 2007. Talk about staying power!
“Daydream Believer” has stood the test of time. It’s a feel-good classic that never fails to get toes tapping. An enduring Monkees masterpiece!
15. Dreams – The Cranberries
This Cranberries hit put the Irish band on the map. The song is about falling in love for the first time.
Dolores O’Riordan’s angelic vocals are mesmerizing. The guitars twang, and the drums are loud. It’s a perfect combo.
The music video is a 90s classic. O’Riordan sits in a chair with a cross, looking dreamy. The band fades in and out around her.
“Dreams” is a timeless track. It’s simple, beautiful, and unforgettable.
16. Dreaming – Blondie
“Dreaming” is a classic Blondie track from 1979. It’s catchy. It’s upbeat.
The song features Debbie Harry’s iconic vocals and Chris Stein’s guitar work. Drummer Clem Burke delivers an energetic, over-the-top performance that drives the song forward.
“Dreaming” was a hit, reaching #2 in the UK and #27 in the US. It’s become a fan favorite and a staple of Blondie’s live shows. Simply put, it’s one of their best songs.
17. These Dreams – Heart
“These Dreams” by Heart is a dreamy power ballad. It’s the band’s first #1 hit! The song showcases Nancy Wilson’s raspy lead vocals.
The lyrics describe a woman’s fantasy world during tough times. The chorus soars in B major, while the verses brood in A♭ minor. Anthemic.
Heart dedicated the song to Nancy’s friend Sharon Hess. Hess sadly died from leukemia before its release. The track’s polished sound marked a departure for the band.
18. A Million Dreams – Ziv Zaifman, Hugh Jackman, Michelle Williams
“A Million Dreams” is a stunning song from The Greatest Showman. Performed by Ziv Zaifman, Hugh Jackman, and Michelle Williams, it’s the second track on the film’s soundtrack.
The song has been covered by various artists, including The Fron Male Voice Choir and Christina Aguilera. Aguilera’s performances at Expo 2020 and the VinFuture Prize ceremony were breathtaking.
The song also has a lovely reprise version sung by Jackman and his on-screen daughters. Pink’s reimagined cover, released in 2018, features her daughter Willow Sage Hart on the reprise. Heartwarming and sweet. Another amazing song about dreams!
19. Dreams – Gabrielle
Gabrielle’s debut single “Dreams” is a memorable for anyone around in the ‘90s. It topped the UK charts for three weeks in 1993.
This song about dreams has a fascinating backstory. Gabrielle wrote the first lines in her diary after a disappointing club performance. She later recorded it in a studio, and the rest is history.
“Dreams” features a catchy chorus and smooth production. Critics praised Gabrielle’s soulful vocals and the song’s infectious melody.
The single was a global hit, charting in many countries. It even reached #26 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the US. Impressive for a debut!
“Dreams” is widely considered Gabrielle’s signature song. Its motivational lyrics have resonated with fans for decades.
20. Dreamer – Supertramp
Dreamer soared to the top of the charts in 1975 and 1980.
Roger Hodgson composed it at just 19 years old. He sang the lyrics spontaneously while banging on cardboard boxes. Pure genius!
The song features a sweet pop melody and bubbly keyboards. It’s a diaphanous slice of sentiment that showcases Supertramp’s unique art-pop sound. Simply unforgettable.
“Dreamer” has been used in several films and trailers. It’s a timeless classic that continues to captivate listeners. Hodgson himself rates it as one of his top 10 songs ever written.
21. Dream Weaver – Gary Wright
Dream Weaver from 1975 is a synth-heavy track that’s all about dreaming and imagination.
Wright’s vocals are smooth and the keyboards create a dreamy atmosphere. The song was inspired by a Yogananda poem about the mind weaving dreams. Groovy!
“Dream Weaver” reached #2 on the Billboard Hot 100. It’s been in many movies and TV shows. Even inspired A Nightmare on Elm Street.
Give it a listen and let your mind wander. Pure 70s bliss.
22. Rêverie – Claude Debussy
Rêverie by Claude Debussy literally means “day dream”, so you can imagine what Debussy was aiming for. This dreamy piano piece will transport you to another world. Close your eyes and let the music wash over you.
Debussy’s composition is simple yet profound. He creates a mesmerizing atmosphere with just a few notes. Breathtaking!
If you need a moment of peace, listen to Rêverie. It’s the perfect escape from life’s chaos. You won’t regret it.
23. Daysleeper – R.E.M.
This song about dreams or daydreaming is all about the struggles of night shift workers. Stipe got the idea from a “daysleeper” sign on an apartment door.
The song captures the disorientation and despair of working odd hours. It messes with your circadian rhythm and sense of self. But the tune is catchy and upbeat.
The music video is super creative. It uses stop-frame photography for a trippy look. Band members rock pajamas while failing to sleep during the day. Relatable!
Dream On!
Well, that concludes our comprehensive list of songs about dreams. If you have any more dreamy compositions to suggest, then please feel free to let us know below.
