About the Song
In 1959, amidst a rock and roll revolution spearheaded by artists like Elvis Presley, Bobby Darin emerged with a sound that was both distinctly modern and infused with a touch of nostalgic charm. This is perfectly captured in his hit song, “Dream Lover”.
“Dream Lover” is a delightful concoction of youthful yearning and playful optimism. The lyrics paint a picture of a young man longing for companionship. He isn’t brooding or heartbroken; instead, he expresses a hopeful anticipation for love, yearning for “a dream lover to come my way.” The repeated “yeah-yeah-yeah”s throughout the chorus add a layer of youthful exuberance, reflecting the innocent excitement of a budding romance.
The song’s melody is as bright and cheerful as the lyrics. It’s a catchy, up-tempo tune driven by a steady backbeat and punctuated by playful flourishes on the piano, an instrument Darin himself mastered. This lighthearted musical backdrop perfectly complements the singer’s smooth vocals, which convey a sense of wide-eyed wonder and anticipation.
There’s a touch of vulnerability woven into the song as well. The lines “Someday, I don’t know how / I hope she’ll hear my plea / Some way, I don’t know how / She’ll bring her love to me” reveal a touch of uncertainty about finding this ideal partner. Yet, the overall tone remains optimistic. The song isn’t a desperate plea for love, but rather a hopeful declaration of desire and a celebration of the power of dreams.
“Dream Lover” stands as a timeless testament to the enduring power of youthful optimism. It captures the sweet anticipation of a first love, the innocent belief that dreams can come true. The song’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to transport listeners back to a time of simpler emotions and wide-eyed wonder, reminding them of the magic inherent in the search for love. So, the next time you hear those opening lines, “Every night I hope and pray,” take a moment to reminisce about the sweet dreams and hopeful yearning of young love, a sentiment that Bobby Darin’s “Dream Lover” so perfectly captures.
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Lyrics: “Dream Lover”
Every night I hope and pray
A dream lover will come my way
A girl to hold in my arms
And know the magic of her charms
‘Cause I want (yeah-yeah, yeah)
A girl (yeah-yeah, yeah)
To call (yeah-yeah, yeah)
My own (yeah-yeah)
I want a dream lover
So I don’t have to dream aloneDream lover, where are you
With a love, oh, so true
And the hand that I can hold
To feel you near as I grow old
‘Cause I want (yeah-yeah, yeah)
A girl (yeah-yeah, yeah)
To call (yeah-yeah, yeah)
My own (yeah-yeah, yeah)
I want a dream lover
So I don’t have to dream aloneSomeday, I don’t know how
I hope she’ll hear my plea
Some way, I don’t know how
She’ll bring her love to meDream lover, until then
I’ll go to sleep and dream again
That’s the only thing to do
Till all my lover’s dreams come true
‘Cause I want (yeah-yeah, yeah)
A girl (yeah-yeah, yeah)
To call (yeah-yeah, yeah)
My own (yeah-yeah, yeah)
I want a dream lover
So I don’t have to dream aloneDream lover, until then
I’ll go to sleep and dream again
That’s the only thing to do
Till all my lover’s dreams come true
‘Cause I want (yeah-yeah, yeah)
A girl (yeah-yeah, yeah)
To call (yeah-yeah, yeah)
My own (yeah-yeah)
I want a dream lover
So I don’t have to dream alonePlease don’t make me dream alone
I beg you don’t make me dream alone
No, I don’t wanna dream