About the song
“The River of Dreams,” a standout song by Billy Joel from his 1993 album of the same name, marks a significant chapter in the artist’s career. Released as the album’s lead single in July 1993 under Columbia Records, the song swiftly ascended the charts, peaking at number three in both the US and the UK. It stands as Joel’s highest-charting single of the 1990s and remains his final top ten hit in either country to date. Additionally, “The River of Dreams” reached number one in Australia, New Zealand, and on the Canadian and US Adult Contemporary charts, solidifying its global appeal and commercial success.
Produced by Joe Nicolo and Danny Kortchmar, the song is notable for its blend of black gospel music influences and soulful melodies. It features a gospel choir, adding depth and spiritual resonance to Joel’s introspective lyrics about seeking inner peace and grappling with existential questions. The production’s richness and Joel’s emotive delivery create a compelling narrative that resonates with listeners on a profound level.
The accompanying music video, directed by Andy Morahan, was filmed in various locations across Connecticut, USA, including the Rocky Hill – Glastonbury Ferry and the Providence & Worcester railroad bridge in Middletown. The video captures Joel and his band performing against picturesque backdrops, interspersed with scenes of Joel’s then-wife Christie Brinkley painting the album artwork. These visual elements complement the song’s themes of introspection and spiritual journey, enhancing its emotional impact.
Despite its success, “The River of Dreams” faced controversy when songwriter Gary Zimmerman accused Joel of plagiarizing his 1986 song “Nowhere Land.” Joel denied any knowledge of Zimmerman or his work, and the lawsuit was eventually dropped in 1994, underscoring the challenges faced by artists in navigating copyright disputes.
Critically acclaimed, the song received a Grammy Award nomination for Record of the Year in 1994, although it lost to Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You.” Joel’s performance of the song at the Grammy ceremony was memorable not only for its musicality but also for his outspoken protest against the cutting off of Frank Sinatra’s lifetime achievement speech earlier in the event.
“The River of Dreams” remains a poignant testament to Billy Joel’s enduring talent and ability to connect with audiences through powerful storytelling and emotive music. Its legacy as a soulful exploration of faith and self-discovery continues to resonate, making it a timeless classic in Joel’s illustrious discography.
Video
Lyrics
In the middle of the night
I go walking in my sleep
From the mountains of faith
To the river so deep
I must be looking for something
Something sacred I lost
But the river is wide
And it’s too hard to cross
Even though I know the river is wide
I walk down every evening and I stand on the shore
I try to cross to the opposite side
So I can finally find what I’ve been looking for
In the middle of the night
I go walking in my sleep
Through the valley of fear
To a river so deep
I’ve been searching for something
Taken out of my soul
Something I’d never lose
Something somebody stole
I don’t know why I go walking at night
But now I’m tired and I don’t want to walk anymore
I hope it doesn’t take the rest of my life
Until I find what it is I’ve been looking for
In the middle of the night
I go walking in my sleep
Through the jungle of doubt
To the river so deep
I know I’m searching for something
Something so undefined
That it can only be seen
By the eyes of the blind
In the middle of the night
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I’m not sure about a life after this
God knows I’ve never been a spiritual man
Baptized by the fire, I wade into the river
That is running to the promised land
In the middle of the night
I go walking in my sleep
Through the desert of the truth
To the river so deep
We all end in the ocean
We all start in the streams
We’re all carried along
By the river of dreams
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