About the song
“Your Wildest Dreams,” a poignant single released by the progressive rock band the Moody Blues in 1986, stands as a testament to both personal reflection and musical evolution within the band’s repertoire. Written by guitarist Justin Hayward, the song not only marked a departure in style towards synth-pop but also became one of the Moody Blues’ most commercially successful tracks in the United States.
Inspired by Hayward’s nostalgic contemplation of his first love, “Your Wildest Dreams” delves into themes of longing and reminiscence. Hayward himself reflected on the song’s genesis, revealing, “For me, wanting to know about the first girl you ever fell in love with, really fell in love with and broke her heart, you always want to know, I wonder what happened. I wonder where they are. Hop into that time machine.” This introspective narrative resonated widely, striking a chord with listeners who shared similar sentiments about their past loves and lost opportunities.
Musically, the song departed from the Moody Blues’ traditional lush arrangements, embracing a synth-heavy production under the guidance of producer Tony Visconti. Hayward credited Visconti’s influence, noting the use of innovative instrumentation such as the Yamaha DX7 synthesizer and guitar synth, which infused the track with a contemporary sound while maintaining its emotive core. Critics like Maury Dean highlighted the song’s intricate musical layers, from its rhythmic bass lines to ethereal organ and string arrangements, all contributing to its distinct appeal.
Upon its release as the lead single from the album “The Other Side of Life,” “Your Wildest Dreams” soared to number nine on the Billboard Hot 100, marking the Moody Blues’ highest-charting single since their iconic “Nights in White Satin.” Its success was bolstered by strong support from the record label and radio promotion, affirming its status as a standout track in the band’s discography.
The accompanying music video, directed by Brian Grant and starring Janet Spencer-Turner, further amplified the song’s narrative. Set against the backdrop of the band’s rise to fame, the video juxtaposes Hayward’s personal journey with glimpses of an unresolved romance, depicting the passage of time and the lingering question of what might have been. The video’s emotional depth and visual storytelling earned accolades, including the Billboard Video of the Year award, and cemented its place in the cultural zeitgeist of the 1980s.
“Your Wildest Dreams” not only showcased the Moody Blues’ ability to adapt and innovate within the evolving music landscape but also affirmed their enduring appeal across generations. As a reflection on love, nostalgia, and the passage of time, the song continues to resonate with listeners, embodying a timeless quality that transcends its era and solidifies its legacy in rock music history.
Video
Lyrics
Once upon a time
Once when you were mine
I remember skies
Reflected in your eyes
I wonder where you are
I wonder if you think about me
Once upon a time
In your wildest dreams
Once the world was new
Our bodies felt the morning dew
That greets the brand-new day
We couldn’t tear ourselves away
I wonder if you care
I wonder if you still remember
Once upon a time
In your wildest dreams
And when the music plays
And when the words are touched with sorrow
When the music plays
I hear the sound I had to follow
Once upon a time
Once beneath the stars
The universe was ours
Love was all we knew
And all I knew was you
I wonder if you know
I wonder if you think about it
Once upon a time
In your wildest dreams
And when the music plays
And when the words are touched with sorrow
When the music plays
And when the music plays
I hear the sound I had to follow
Once upon a time
Once upon a time
Once when you were mine
I remember skies
Mirrored in your eyes
I wonder where you are
I wonder if you think about me
Once upon a time
In your wildest dreams
In your wildest dreams
In your wildest dreams
In your wildest dreams