About the song
“Don’t Fall in Love with a Dreamer” is a powerful duet by Kenny Rogers and Kim Carnes, released in March 1980 as the lead single from Rogers’ album *Gideon*. The song stands out as a classic example of the emotional storytelling that characterized much of Rogers’ work. Written by Kim Carnes and her husband, Dave Ellingson, the song beautifully captures the bittersweet nature of a relationship doomed by the inherent impracticalities of falling in love with someone who is more focused on dreams than reality.
Kenny Rogers, known for his distinct voice and ability to convey deep emotion, pairs perfectly with Kim Carnes, whose raspy and soulful vocals complement his style. Their performance together is both heartfelt and poignant, making the song resonate with listeners who have experienced the pain of unfulfilled love. The lyrics tell the story of a couple who realize that their love, although intense and real, is unsustainable because one partner is too much of a dreamer. The emotional weight of the song is carried by its simple yet effective arrangement, which allows the voices of Rogers and Carnes to take center stage.
The song’s success is evident from its chart performance. It reached number four on the Billboard Hot 100 and became a major hit on the Adult Contemporary chart, peaking at number two. It also performed well internationally, adding to Kenny Rogers’ already impressive list of chart-topping hits.
“Don’t Fall in Love with a Dreamer” was one of the key tracks that helped define Kenny Rogers’ career during the late 1970s and early 1980s. The song’s message about the risks of romanticizing love resonates across generations, making it a timeless piece. The collaboration between Rogers and Carnes was particularly significant as it showcased the blending of their unique vocal styles, something that was relatively uncommon in country music at the time.
Over the years, “Don’t Fall in Love with a Dreamer” has remained a favorite among fans of both Kenny Rogers and Kim Carnes. It exemplifies the depth and complexity of love and the harsh realities that often accompany it. For many listeners, the song serves as a reminder of the importance of being grounded in reality, even when the allure of dreams is tempting. The song continues to be celebrated for its emotional honesty and the superb performances by both artists.
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Lyrics
Just look at you sitting there
You never looked better than tonight
And it’d be so easy to tell ya I’d stay
Like I’ve done so many times
I was so sure this would be the night
You’d close the door and want to stay with me
And it’d be so easy to tell ya I’ll stay
Like I’ve done so many times
Don’t fall in love with a dreamer
‘Cause he’ll always take you in
Just when you think you’ve really changed him
He’ll leave you again
Don’t fall in love with a dreamer
‘Cause he’ll break you every time
Oh, put out the light, just hold on
Before we say goodbye
Now it’s mornin’ and the phone rings
And you say you’ve gotta get your things together
You just gotta leave before ya change your mind
And if ya knew what I was thinkin’, girl
I’d turn around if you’d just ask me one more time
Don’t fall in love with a dreamer
‘Cause he’ll always take you in
Just when you think you’ve really changed him
He’ll leave you again
Don’t fall in love with a dreamer
‘Cause he’ll break you every time
Oh, put out the light, just hold on
Before we say goodbye
Before we say goodbye
Goodbye