About the song
“In Dreams” is one of Roy Orbison’s most evocative and haunting songs, composed and performed by the legendary singer himself. Released as a single on Monument Records in February 1963, it later became the title track of his album, which came out in July of the same year. This operatic rock ballad, characterized by its themes of lost love, showcases Orbison’s remarkable vocal range and unique musical style.
Orbison, known for his introspective and emotionally charged songs, crafted “In Dreams” with a through-composed structure that spans seven distinct movements. Unlike typical rock songs that follow a repetitive verse-chorus format, “In Dreams” flows seamlessly from one section to the next without repeating. Orbison’s voice soars through two octaves, a feat beyond the reach of most rock singers, making this song a standout in his repertoire.
The song achieved significant commercial success, peaking at number 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts. In the United Kingdom, “In Dreams” enjoyed a five-month run on the charts while Orbison toured with the Beatles, further cementing his status as an international star. The song’s haunting melody and poignant lyrics helped it gain renewed attention in 1987 when it was featured in David Lynch’s film *Blue Velvet*. This inclusion, combined with Orbison’s re-recorded anthology of greatest hits, sparked a revival of interest in his music.
Orbison’s career began in the mid-1950s when he was signed to Sun Records, the same label that launched rockabilly legends like Elvis Presley and Carl Perkins. Initially, Orbison’s releases, including “Ooby Dooby” and “Go! Go! Go!”, reflected the rockabilly style popular at the time. However, he found greater success after moving to Monument Records in 1960, where he began producing the introspective ballads for which he became famous. Songs like “Only the Lonely,” co-written with Joe Melson, showcased his powerful three-octave vocal range and intricate arrangements.
A recurring theme in many of Orbison’s songs is a climactic confession sung in an eerily high falsetto, which adds to the emotional intensity of his music. His performances were also distinctive; unlike the energetic onstage antics of many rock and roll performers, Orbison’s presence was more reserved and introspective. Fellow artist k.d. lang described Orbison’s music as a “solace or a refuge,” highlighting the emotional depth and personal connection his songs provided to listeners.
“In Dreams” is particularly notable for its lyrical content and musical arrangement. The song begins with a soft, lullaby-like introduction, where Orbison half-speaks and half-sings about a “candy-colored clown they call the sandman.” As the song progresses, the instrumentation builds, incorporating drums, piano, and orchestral strings that complement Orbison’s melody. The climax of the song is a powerful crescendo where Orbison’s voice expresses the deep sadness of waking from a beautiful dream to find his lover gone.
According to Orbison, the inspiration for “In Dreams” came to him while he was half-asleep, a common occurrence for many of his songs. He composed the song in just twenty minutes, capturing the ethereal and fleeting nature of dreams in both the lyrics and the music.
Rolling Stone magazine recognized “In Dreams” as one of the “500 Greatest Songs of All Time,” ranking it at number 319 in 2012. The song’s enduring legacy is a testament to Orbison’s talent and the emotional resonance of his music. “In Dreams” remains a quintessential example of Roy Orbison’s ability to blend operatic vocal performance with rock and roll, creating timeless music that continues to captivate listeners.
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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