About the song
“Dreams” is a song by the British-American rock band Fleetwood Mac, written and sung by Stevie Nicks for the band’s eleventh studio album, *Rumours* (1977). This album, one of the best-selling of all time, captures the raw emotions and personal turmoil experienced by the band members during its creation. “Dreams,” released as the second single in the United States in March 1977, and the third single in the United Kingdom in June 1977, quickly became one of Fleetwood Mac’s signature songs and their only number-one hit in the United States.
The creation of “Dreams” is a testament to Stevie Nicks’s songwriting prowess. She composed the song in early 1976 at the Record Plant studio in Sausalito, California. Nicks recalled finding inspiration in a room that belonged to Sly Stone of Sly and the Family Stone, equipped with a sunken pit where she sat with her keyboard. In just ten minutes, Nicks penned the song, incorporating a drum pattern that gave it a distinct dance beat, a departure from her usual style.
Despite initial reservations from her bandmates, Nicks persuaded them to record “Dreams.” The basic track, featuring Nicks on the Rhodes piano and her live vocals, was laid down in Sausalito, with additional instrumentation added later in Los Angeles. Lindsey Buckingham played a crucial role in arranging the song, transforming its simple chord structure into a dynamic and flowing piece that captivated listeners.
Upon its release, “Dreams” soared to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 on June 18, 1977, and remained there for a week. In Canada, the song also reached number one on the RPM Top 100 Singles chart. Over the years, “Dreams” has enjoyed multiple resurgences, re-entering the charts in various countries. Notably, in late 2020, the song experienced a viral revival due to a TikTok video by Nathan Apodaca, which featured him lip-syncing to the song while skateboarding. This unexpected resurgence brought “Dreams” back into the limelight, reaching new audiences and climbing the charts once again.
“Dreams” is more than just a song; it is a timeless piece that encapsulates the emotional depth and musical genius of Fleetwood Mac. Its enduring appeal is reflected in its continued popularity across generations, cementing its place as one of the greatest songs in rock history. The track’s success is a fitting tribute to the band’s resilience and creativity during a tumultuous period, showcasing their ability to transform personal struggles into universally resonant music.
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 lonelinessLike a heartbeat… drives you mad
In the stillness of remembering what you had
And what you lost…
And what you had…
And what you lostThunder 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 knowNow here I go again, I see the crystal visions
I keep my visions to myself
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…
And what you lostThunder 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 knowOh, 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, you’ll know