About the song
Bobby Darin – “Dream Lover”
Few songs capture the yearning for romantic idealization quite like Bobby Darin’s 1959 hit, “Dream Lover.” With its lush orchestration and Darin’s velvety vocals, the song evokes a timeless longing for a love that transcends the ordinary. “Dream Lover” is a quintessential ballad, a genre that Darin, despite his versatility as a performer, truly excelled in. While he was known for his energetic rock and roll numbers and his swaggering stage presence, songs like “Dream Lover” revealed a softer, more vulnerable side to this multi-faceted artist.
Released at the cusp of the 1960s, “Dream Lover” seemed to encapsulate the romantic optimism of a generation on the brink of change. The song’s lyrics speak to a universal desire: the search for a perfect love, a soulmate who embodies all our romantic fantasies. Darin’s delivery is both tender and powerful, capturing the innocence of this longing while hinting at the underlying passion that drives it.
What truly distinguishes “Dream Lover” is its exquisite arrangement. The orchestration, with its sweeping strings and gentle harp flourishes, creates a dreamlike atmosphere that perfectly complements the song’s lyrical theme. This lush soundscape transports the listener to a realm of romance and idealized love, a world where dreams and reality intertwine.
Beyond its undeniable beauty, “Dream Lover” also showcases Darin’s remarkable vocal control. His phrasing is impeccable, his voice effortlessly gliding through the melody with a blend of warmth and precision. He navigates the song’s dynamic shifts with ease, moving from intimate whispers to soaring high notes, all while maintaining an emotional connection to the lyrics.
In the decades since its release, “Dream Lover” has become a standard in the American songbook, covered by countless artists across various genres. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to tap into the deepest desires of the human heart – the longing for connection, for romance, for a love that fulfills our every dream. As we revisit this classic ballad, we’re reminded of the power of music to transport us, to inspire us, and to connect us to the timeless pursuit of love.
Video
Lyrics
Every night I hope and pray
A dream lover will come my way
A girl to hold in my arms
And know the magic of her charms
‘Cause I want (yeah-yeah, yeah)
A girl (yeah-yeah, yeah)
To call (yeah-yeah, yeah)
My own (yeah-yeah)
I want a dream lover
So I don’t have to dream alone
Dream lover, where are you
With a love, oh, so true
And the hand that I can hold
To feel you near as I grow old
‘Cause I want (yeah-yeah, yeah)
A girl (yeah-yeah, yeah)
To call (yeah-yeah, yeah)
My own (yeah-yeah, yeah)
I want a dream lover
So I don’t have to dream alone
Someday, I don’t know how
I hope she’ll hear my plea
Some way, I don’t know how
She’ll bring her love to me
Dream lover, until then
I’ll go to sleep and dream again
That’s the only thing to do
‘Til all my lover’s dreams come true
‘Cause I want (yeah-yeah, yeah)
A girl (yeah-yeah, yeah)
To call (yeah-yeah, yeah)
My own (yeah-yeah, yeah)
I want a dream lover
So I don’t have to dream alone
Dream lover, until then
I’ll go to sleep and dream again
That’s the only thing to do
‘Til all my lover’s dreams come true
‘Cause I want (yeah-yeah, yeah)
A girl (yeah-yeah, yeah)
To call (yeah-yeah, yeah)
My own (yeah-yeah)
I want a dream lover
So I don’t have to dream alone
Please don’t make me dream alone
I beg you don’t make me dream alone
No, I don’t wanna dream alone
