About the song
“Dreams,” a quintessential anthem from the legendary British-American rock band Fleetwood Mac, has left an indelible mark on music history since its release as part of their iconic eleventh studio album, Rumours, in 1977. Written by the band’s ethereal vocalist Stevie Nicks, the song not only topped the charts but also became a cultural phenomenon that transcended generations.
Nicks penned “Dreams” during a tumultuous period for the band, where personal conflicts and emotional upheavals were rife during the album’s recording. Despite initial skepticism from some band members about the song’s potential, Nicks’ persistence and creative vision prevailed. She crafted the song in a unique setting, drawing inspiration from a studio owned by Sly Stone, setting the mood with its distinctive ambiance of a black-and-red room with a sunken pit and a grand piano.
The song’s composition is noted for its simplicity yet profound emotional resonance. Nicks’ haunting vocals, complemented by Lindsey Buckingham’s innovative guitar arrangements and Mick Fleetwood’s precise drumming, created a mesmerizing blend that captivated listeners worldwide. Producer Ken Caillat’s meticulous production techniques, such as using a drum loop for hypnotic effect and experimenting with microphone setups to capture Nicks’ evocative voice, contributed to the song’s distinctive sound.
Upon its release, “Dreams” soared to the top of the Billboard Hot 100, marking Fleetwood Mac’s first and only number-one single in the United States. Its success was mirrored in Canada, where it also claimed the top spot on the RPM Top 100 Singles chart. Over the years, the song’s popularity endured, evidenced by its resurgence in 2020 due to a viral TikTok video by Nathan Apodaca, which propelled “Dreams” back into the charts and playlists globally.
Critically acclaimed and beloved by fans, “Dreams” has been hailed as one of the greatest songs of all time, securing its place on Rolling Stone’s prestigious “500 Greatest Songs of All Time” list. Its enduring appeal lies not only in its musical excellence but also in its ability to evoke a range of emotions, making it a timeless classic that continues to resonate with new audiences.
In essence, “Dreams” stands as a testament to Fleetwood Mac’s artistic prowess and the enduring power of music to transcend personal struggles and resonate universally. Whether through its haunting melody, poignant lyrics, or captivating vocals, “Dreams” remains a poignant reminder of the band’s unparalleled legacy and its impact on the fabric of rock music history.
Video
Lyrics
Now here you go again, you say you want your freedom
Well, who am I to keep you down?
It’s only right that you should play the way you feel it
But listen carefully to the sound of your loneliness
Like a heartbeat, drives you mad
In the stillness of remembering what you had
And what you lost
And what you had
And what you lost
Oh, thunder only happens when it’s raining
Players only love you when they’re playing
Say, women, they will come and they will go
When the rain washes you clean, you’ll know
You’ll know
Now here I go again, I see the crystal vision
I keep my visions to myself
But it’s only me who wants to wrap around your dreams, and
Have you any dreams you’d like to sell, dreams of loneliness?
Like a heartbeat, drives you mad
In the stillness of remembering what you had
And what you lost
And what you had
Ooh, what you lost
Thunder only happens when it’s raining
Players only love you when they’re playing
Women, they will come and they will go
When the rain washes you clean, you’ll know
Oh, thunder only happens when it’s raining
Players only love you when they’re playing
Say, women, they will come and they will go
When the rain washes you clean, you’ll know
You’ll know
You will know
Oh-oh-oh, you’ll know