20‌ ‌Songs‌ ‌About‌ ‌Dreams‌

We’ve all been there: daydreaming about what could be, getting lost in dreams at night, wishing for something so intensely it feels like a dream. These 20 songs about dreams will lull you into a fantasy, evoke nostalgia, and fuel your hopeful optimism.

From the surreal swirls of slumber to the cryptic mysteries of the subconscious, dreams have been an enduring source of artistic inspiration. And why wouldn’t they be? We’ve all known the heartache of waking from a too-wonderful dream or the sweet relief of escaping a nightmare.

1. “Dream On” by Aerosmith

Aerosmith - Dream On (Live - HD Video)Aerosmith – Dream On (Live – HD Video)

“Dream On” isn’t just your typical lullaby, it’s an anthem for dream chasers. Aerosmith paints a picture of how important it is to chase your dreams and keep pushing until they become reality. No matter what, as Steven Tyler would say, keep dreaming until your dreams come true.

2. “Dreaming of You” by Selena

Selena - Dreaming Of You (Official Music Video)Selena – Dreaming Of You (Official Music Video)

“Dreaming of You” is a trip down memory lane to a time before video calls and text messages. It’s all about the sweet torture of being so into someone that they inhabit your dreams. It’s especially poignant because it’s one of the last songs Selena recorded before her untimely passing.

3. “The Dreaming Tree” by Dave Matthews Band

Dave Matthews Band - The Dreaming TreeDave Matthews Band – The Dreaming Tree

“The Dreaming Tree” is the type of song that offers different interpretations to different listeners. Is it about loss? Or perhaps a metaphor about dreams fading as we grow? Either way, its melancholic tone makes it a tune that deserves a place on your playlist.

4. “Dreamlover” by Mariah Carey

Mariah Carey - Dreamlover (Official HD Video)Mariah Carey – Dreamlover (Official HD Video)

“Dreamlover” is for all those folks who are tired of settling and just want one real, good lover. The one who knows how to love, receive love, and be a refuge from the world’s madness. Mariah Carey absolutely nails that sentiment in this catchy, heart-pumping track.

5. “All I Have to Do Is Dream” by The Everly Brothers

Everly Brothers- "All I Have To Do Is Dream/Cathy's Clown" 1960 (Reelin' In The Years Archives)Everly Brothers- “All I Have To Do Is Dream/Cathy’s Clown” 1960 (Reelin’ In The Years Archives)

Want a throwback track that’ll make your heart flutter? “All I Have to Do Is Dream” is a classic. It’s about longing for that special someone so much that all you have to do is close your eyes and they’re right there with you. It’s as dreamy as the days of sharing a soda float with your high school sweetheart.

6. “Dream Operator” by The Talking Heads

Dream Operator - TRUE STORIES - TALKING HEADSDream Operator – TRUE STORIES – TALKING HEADS

“Dream Operator” offers a personalized experience, like the band is singing right to you. But some fans suggest it’s a dialogue with the singer’s past self, reflecting on the kid he once was and how he’s now living the life he once dreamt of. The song pays homage to our ability to craft our own destiny, turning dreams into reality.

7. “Boulevard Of Broken Dreams” by Green Day

Green Day - Boulevard Of Broken Dreams [Official Music Video]Green Day – Boulevard Of Broken Dreams [Official Music Video]

As Billie Joe Armstrong strolls down his “Boulevard of Broken Dreams,” he resonates with those who’ve experienced shattered dreams. Many listeners perceive the song as a reflection on the broken promises of the American dream that immigrants once clung to. It’s a comforting reminder that you’re not alone in your solitary journey.

8. “All Some Kind of Dream” by Josh Ritter

Josh Ritter - All Some Kind of Dream (Official Video)Josh Ritter – All Some Kind of Dream (Official Video)

“All Some Kind of Dream” doesn’t beat around the bush – Josh Ritter confronts the harsh reality faced by migrant families seeking a better life. It questions if human goodness and kindness were just dreams, given the sufferings inflicted on these families. It’s a powerful ballad expressing a wish that their despair is just a bad dream.

9. “Just a Dream” by Carrie Underwood

Carrie Underwood - Just A Dream (Official Video)Carrie Underwood – Just A Dream (Official Video)

Carrie Underwood’s “Just a Dream” is an emotional rollercoaster. The song tugs at the heartstrings as it depicts the heartbreaking experience of almost having it all, only for it to slip away due to unforeseen circumstances. A heartrending homage to those who’ve felt this acute pain.

10. “California Dreamin” by The Mamas & The Papas

The Mamas & The Papas - California Dreamin'The Mamas & The Papas – California Dreamin’

“California Dreamin” is your go-to track if you’re yearning for a place you once called home. The tune will wrap you in a mix of joy, nostalgia, and a hint of sorrow, making it timeless and relatable even today. So impactful was this song that even the Beach Boys couldn’t resist doing a cover in 1986.

11. “Just a Dream” by Nelly

Nelly - Just A Dream (Official Music Video)Nelly – Just A Dream (Official Music Video)

Ever been haunted by the ghost of a past love? Nelly takes us down that road with “Just a Dream.” Weaving a tale of heartbreak and regret, it’s a lament for a love lost that we can all relate to. When the mood strikes to wallow in what could have been, this song will hit home.

12. “Sweet Dreams” by Eurythmics

Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) (Remastered)Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) (Remastered)

As infectious as it is thought-provoking, “Sweet Dreams” is a karaoke favorite that begs the question – what does a fairytale ending look like to you? Eurythmics remind us that one person’s dream can be another’s nightmare, showing us the diverse spectrum of our aspirations.

13. “Wildest Dreams” by Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift - Wildest Dreams (Taylor’s Version) (Official Audio)Taylor Swift – Wildest Dreams (Taylor’s Version) (Official Audio)

In “Wildest Dreams,” the renowned storyteller Taylor Swift crafts a tale about a fleeting romance that feels like something out of a dream. It’s all sunsets and rosy cheeks, capturing the euphoria of new love that eventually gives way to reality. Swift’s dreamy melodies transport us directly into her enchanting narrative.

14. “What Dreams Are Made Of” by Hilary Duff

Hilary Duff - What Dreams Are Made Of (From The Lizzie McGuire Movie)Hilary Duff – What Dreams Are Made Of (From The Lizzie McGuire Movie)

Remember “Lizzie McGuire”? Then you’ll definitely remember this track. Hilary Duff’s “What Dreams Are Made Of” is a jubilant anthem for everyone who’s chased their dreams and found their happiness. It’s a feel-good tune that reminds us dreams don’t have to be grand; sometimes, it’s just about finding your place in the world.

15. “Dream Weaver” by Gary Wright

Gary Wright - DreamWeaver Official VideoGary Wright – DreamWeaver Official Video

“Dream Weaver” is a mystical journey for the believers out there – those who think dreams are cosmic signs to be decoded. Whether you see them as prophetic visions or echoes of a past life, Gary Wright’s ethereal voice will transport you into another realm. It’s said to be an ode to divine presence guiding us through life’s challenges.

16. “Dream Baby Dream” by Bruce Springsteen

Dream Baby DreamDream Baby Dream

Simple on the surface yet deeply resonant, “Dream Baby Dream” showcases Bruce Springsteen’s ability to transform simplicity into art. His version of this Suicide track from 1977 morphs a dark piece into a warm, comforting lullaby. It’s a testament to The Boss’s artistry that even Alan Vega, Suicide’s frontman, saw his own song in a new light.

17. “Don’t Dream It’s Over” by Crowded House

Crowded House - Don't Dream It's Over (Official Music Video)Crowded House – Don’t Dream It’s Over (Official Music Video)

Crowded House’s “Don’t Dream It’s Over” is the life anthem you need when deciding whether to pursue or change your dreams. It’s an encouraging melody that sings of pushing forward, breaking barriers, and embracing positive changes. This track is not about a bleak future, but a hopeful one.

18. “Sweet Dreams” by Beyonce

Beyoncé - Sweet DreamsBeyoncé – Sweet Dreams

Ever had one of those days when things are going so well, you wonder if you’re dreaming? That’s the vibe Beyoncé captures in “Sweet Dreams.” The song explores that mix of delight and anxiety when things seem too perfect. As Queen B tells us, it doesn’t matter if it’s a dream or reality – enjoy the moment and hope it never ends.

19. “Dream” by Imagine Dragons

Dream - Imagine Dragons (Audio)Dream – Imagine Dragons (Audio)

“Dream” by Imagine Dragons speaks to those dark times when dreams provide an escape. Amidst chaos and imperfections, lead singer Dan Reynolds still clings to the possibility of something better. The song isn’t mired in despair but glimmers with hope, reinforcing the power of dreams in our lives.

20. “These Dreams” by Heart

Heart - These Dreams (Official Music Video)Heart – These Dreams (Official Music Video)

Heart’s “These Dreams” ponders on the magic and mystery of dreams. It captures that longing to live out the enchanted life that unfolds in our sleep, away from reality. It’s a beautifully bittersweet tune about the allure of a dream world and the prince who exists only in that realm.

Conclusion

In conclusion, dreams can be many things – not just love or the figment of our imagination. They can represent hope, aspirations, an escape, or an alternate universe. These songs, each in their unique way, capture the essence of dreams and their role in our lives. So whether you’re in pursuit of a dream or simply daydreaming, there’s a song on this list that can echo your sentiments. Keep dreaming and keep the tunes flowing!