About the Song
Roy Orbison’s 1963 ballad, “In Dreams”, isn’t just a love song; it’s a melancholic escape into a world of wishful thinking and cherished memories. This song, co-written by Orbison and his son Roy Orbison Jr., became a cornerstone of his career, showcasing his signature soaring vocals and his ability to tap into a realm of fantasy and longing.
“In Dreams” opens with a sense of childlike wonder: “A candy-colored clown they call the Sandman / Tiptoes to my room every night.” This whimsical imagery sets the stage for a song that explores the solace found in dreams, a place where the boundaries between reality and desire blur.
The lyrics paint a picture of a world where the narrator can be reunited with a lost love: “In dreams I walk with you / In dreams I talk to you / In dreams you’re mine, all of the time.” Orbison’s soaring vocals perfectly capture the yearning and bittersweet nature of these dreams. He knows they’re not real, but they offer a temporary escape from the pain of separation.
The melody is a beautiful counterpoint to the emotional weight of the lyrics. A gentle piano melody establishes a lullaby-like quality, creating a sense of comfort and nostalgia. The strings swell and recede, mirroring the rise and fall of the narrator’s emotions. The overall effect is a soundscape that perfectly captures the dreamy atmosphere of the song.
There’s a melancholic undercurrent that runs throughout the song. Lines like, “But just before the dawn, I awake and find you gone” remind the listener of the harsh reality that awaits upon waking. The dream offers a temporary solace, but the pain of separation returns with the light of day.
“In Dreams” resonates because it taps into a universal human experience. Everyone has used dreams as a form of escape, a place to revisit cherished memories or indulge in wishful thinking. Orbison’s song captures the beauty and the bittersweet nature of these dreams, reminding us of the power of imagination and the enduring hold loved ones can have on our hearts.
The song’s enduring appeal lies in its emotional honesty, its beautiful melody, and its ability to transport listeners to a world of dreams and longing. “In Dreams” remains a timeless classic, a testament to Roy Orbison’s songwriting skills and his ability to deliver a vocal performance that continues to entrance listeners for generations.
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Lyrics: “In Dreams”
A candy-colored clown they call the sandman
Tiptoes to my room every night
Just to sprinkle stardust and to whisper
“Go to sleep. Everything is all right.”I close my eyes, Then I drift away
Into the magic night. I softly say
A silent prayer like dreamers do.
Then I fall asleep to dream My dreams of you.In dreams I walk with you. In dreams I talk to you.
In dreams you’re mine. All of the time we’re together
In dreams, In dreams.But just before the dawn, I awake and find you gone.
I can’t help it, I can’t help it, if I cry.
I remember that you said goodbye.It’s too bad that all these things, Can only happen in my dreams
Only in dreams In beautiful dreams.