Introduction:
Emerging from the age of the big bands and crooners, Doris Day carved her own niche in the music industry. With a voice described as both sunny and intimate, she possessed a unique charm that resonated with audiences. In 1957, this charm found perfect expression in the now-iconic song, “Dream A Little Dream of Me”. Released on her album “Day by Night”, the song transcended genres, becoming a timeless classic that continues to capture hearts.
Composed in 1931 by Fabian Andre and Wilbur Schwandt with lyrics by Gus Kahn, “Dream A Little Dream of Me” predates Doris Day’s recording by a quarter-century. However, her interpretation breathed new life into the song. Backed by the smooth orchestration of Paul Weston’s Orchestra, Day’s vocals weave a spell of longing and tenderness. The gentle sway of the rhythm section and the soft caress of strings create a dreamlike soundscape that perfectly complements the song’s message.
“Dream A Little Dream of Me” is a song of whispered promises and bittersweet goodbyes. It paints a picture of a lover separated by distance, yearning for connection. The lyrics evoke a world of starry nights and gentle breezes, where nature itself conspires to remind the beloved of the one left behind. Day’s delivery is both playful and heartfelt, capturing the vulnerability and hope that come with being in love.
The song’s success was immediate. It became a Top 20 hit on the Billboard charts, propelling “Day by Night” to become one of Doris Day’s best-selling albums. However, “Dream A Little Dream of Me” transcended mere commercial success. It entered the cultural lexicon, becoming a favorite for weddings, films, and countless renditions by other artists. Artists as diverse as The Oyspters, Ella Fitzgerald, and even The Andrews Sisters have covered the song, a testament to its enduring appeal.
“Dream A Little Dream of Me” stands as a prime example of Doris Day’s artistry. It showcases her ability to deliver a song with both sweetness and depth, making it relatable to listeners across generations. The song’s enduring popularity lies in its ability to capture the universal experience of longing and love, wrapped in a melody that lingers long after the last note fades.
Video:
Lyrics:
Stars shining bright above youNight breezes seem to whisper “I love you”Birds singin’ in the sycamore treesDream a little dream of meSay “Night-ie night” and kiss meJust hold me tight and tell me you’ll miss meWhile I’m alone and blue as can beDream a little dream of meStars fading but I linger on, dearStill craving your kissI’m longing to linger ’til dawn, dearJust saying thisSweet dreams ’til sunbeams find youSweet dreams that leave all worries behind youBut in your dreams, whatever they beDream a little dream of meStars fading but I linger on, dearStill craving your kissI’m longing to linger ’til dawn, dearJust saying thisSweet dreams ’til sunbeams find youSweet dreams that leave all worries behind youBut in your dreams, whatever they beDream a little dream of meDream a little dream of meDream a little dream of me