Bobby Darin – Dream Lover – 1959

Introduction:

In the vibrant music scene of 1959, a young artist named Bobby Darin was poised for stardom. While still in his early twenties, Darin had already garnered attention with energetic rock and roll covers. However, it was with the release of his self-composed ballad, Dream Lover, that Darin truly cemented his place as a rising star.

Dream Lover emerged in 1959, a time of significant change in the American music landscape. Rock and roll, still a young genre, was captivating audiences with its infectious rhythms and rebellious energy. However, there was also a growing market for softer sounds, ballads that expressed themes of love, longing, and vulnerability.

Dream Lover tapped into this desire for romantic crooning. The song, a heartfelt ballad with a lush orchestral arrangement, showcased Darin’s smooth vocals and charismatic delivery. The production team of Ahmet Ertegun and Jerry Wexler, known for their work with Atlantic Records, helped shape the song’s rich sound. They brought in engineer Tom Dowd, whose expertise further enhanced the recording. Adding to the magic touch, the young Neil Sedaka lent his talents on piano.

Dream Lover quickly captivated listeners. The song ascended the Billboard Hot 100 chart, reaching number two and holding the position for a week. It also achieved significant crossover success, reaching number four on Billboard’s Hot R&B Sides chart. Dream Lover wasn’t just a domestic hit; it topped the charts in the United Kingdom, staying at number one for four weeks. This transatlantic success solidified Darin’s international appeal.

Dream Lover‘s impact extended far beyond the charts. The song became Bobby Darin’s signature tune, a song that audiences immediately associated with the young performer. It represented a departure from his earlier rock and roll persona, ushering in a new phase of his career where he would explore various genres, including pop, jazz, and even folk.

Dream Lover‘s legacy endures. The song remains a beloved classic, a staple on oldies radio stations and a popular choice for playlists and wedding ceremonies. Its influence can be heard in the works of later artists who embraced a more romantic and sentimental style. Dream Lover stands as a timeless testament to Bobby Darin’s talent and his ability to connect with audiences through his heartfelt songwriting and captivating performances.

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