About the song
“In Dreams” is a timeless classic by Roy Orbison, released as a single in February 1963 and featured as the title track of his album *In Dreams*, which came out later that year. This song is renowned for its operatic rock ballad style, a poignant exploration of lost love. What sets “In Dreams” apart is its unique musical structure. The song unfolds in seven distinct movements, showcasing Orbison’s impressive vocal range that spans two octaves—something beyond the reach of most rock singers of the time.
The track achieved notable success, reaching number 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 and enjoying a significant presence on the UK charts for five months. During this period, Orbison was also touring with the Beatles, further boosting his popularity. The song experienced a revival in 1987, partly due to its inclusion in David Lynch’s film *Blue Velvet*, which brought renewed attention to Orbison’s music. The song’s influence persisted, with several of Orbison’s later collections bearing its name, and in 2012, *Rolling Stone* recognized “In Dreams” as number 319 on their list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
Roy Orbison’s musical journey began in 1956 with Sun Records, where his early work included tracks like “Ooby Dooby” and “Claudette.” Despite some success, Orbison felt that his potential was not fully realized under the rockabilly style promoted by the label. It was not until 1960, when he joined Monument Records, that Orbison’s distinctive style began to shine. His work, especially with the hit “Only the Lonely,” showcased his powerful three-octave voice and a move towards more introspective and emotional ballads.
Orbison’s performances were known for their subdued, almost introspective nature, a stark contrast to the energetic rock shows of the era. His music, with its intricate melodies and emotional depth, was often described as a refuge, a private escape for listeners. Fred Foster, the founder of Monument Records, praised Orbison for his sophisticated musical approach, blending baroque elegance with pop sensibilities.
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Lyrics
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 alright
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