About The Song
“All I Have to Do Is Dream,” by the Everly Brothers, transcends its catchy melody and charming harmonies to reveal a story of longing and bittersweet escapism. Released in 1958, the song became an instant hit, topping charts and capturing the hearts of fans with its infectious optimism and nostalgic yearning.
Written by Boudleaux Bryant, the song paints a vivid picture of a lovesick dreamer. Our unnamed protagonist finds solace in his fantasies, where his beloved is always within reach. Through lyrics like “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,” the song celebrates the power of imagination as a refuge from the pain of separation.
But the dream holds a darker undercurrent. Phrases like “Gee whiz, I’m dreaming my life away” and “I need you so that I could die” hint at the protagonist’s dependence on his fantasy, and the possibility that it might be hindering his ability to connect with reality.
Furthermore, the song’s release in 1958 adds a layer of historical context. America was in the midst of the cultural anxieties of the Cold War, and “All I Have to Do Is Dream” offered a temporary escape from those anxieties. Its focus on personal longing resonated with a generation seeking solace in private worlds.
Despite its potential darker interpretations, “All I Have to Do Is Dream” remains a classic of the rock and roll era. The Everly Brothers’ impeccable harmonies, the song’s simple yet infectious melody, and its themes of love and escapism have ensured its enduring appeal. It continues to be a reminder that even in the face of disappointment, the power of imagination can offer temporary solace and fuel our hopes for a brighter future.
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Lyrics
Dream, dream, dream, dreamDream, dream, dream, dreamWhen I want you in my armsWhen I want you and all your charmsWhenever I want you, all I have to do isDream, dream, dream, dreamWhen I feel blue in the nightAnd I need you to hold me tightWhenever I want you, all I have to do isDreamI can make you mine, taste your lips of wineAnytime, night or dayOnly trouble is, gee whizI’m dreamin’ my life awayI need you so that I could dieI love you so and that is whyWhenever I want you, all I have to do isDream, dream, dream, dreamDreamI can make you mine, taste your lips of wineAnytime, night or dayOnly trouble is, gee whizI’m dreamin’ my life awayI need you so that I could dieI love you so and that is whyWhenever I want you, all I have to do isDream, dream, dream, dreamDream, dream, dream, dreamDream, dream, dream, dreamDream