21 Songs About Dreams (2023)

Songs about dreams are musical collections centered on the universal experience of the mysterious nature and emotional significance of dreams in our lives. These songs feature lyrical narratives and musical accompaniments that describe symbolism and surrealism found in dreams.

The musical styles of these songs vary wildly from pop to classical.  The themes can also be diverse, including but not limited to love, romance, hope, fear, and the subconscious mind.

They may convey longing and celebration for the power of life’s transformations. They offer a creative outlet for artists to reflect on the beauty and depth of the human experience.

So, if you’re a fan of all things dreamy, take a listen to some of these magical songs about dreams.

21. “If I Can Dream” by Elvis Presley

Album: ‘NBC TV Special’| Style: Rock and Gospel

This song speaks of a dream for a world that could be shared by everyone. It depicts the theme of unity and hope where peace and understanding prevail. Listening to this song will make you desire to dream of a bigger, brighter future and will encourage you to hold on to that dream.

20. “Dream Operator” by Talking Heads

Album: “True Stories” | Style: Art Rock

Released in 1986, this song is about someone reflecting on his life and realizing that he is already living the life he dreamed of. However, ironically, the older version of himself wishes to go back in time and be young again to live in a dream.  Dream, in the song, represents life, and being the dream operator means you have control over your life.

19. “Sweet Dreams” by Beyoncé

Album: “I Am… Sasha Fierce” | Style: Pop, R&B

This song is basically about a love that is full of twists and turns that it even appears to be so unpredictable. Because of its unpredictability, the relationship represented by a “dream” could either be a sweet one or a beautiful nightmare. Either way, the persona in the song reflects our common choice to still mess around and take a risk with the relationship regardless of how it’ll end up.

18. “Wildest Dreams” by Taylor Swift

Album: “1989” | Style: Pop, Synth-pop

The theme of this song revolves around the concept of meeting an exceptional someone or being someone’s wildest dream. Although this song may appear to be about break-ups, it is actually about a person asking her ex-lover to still remember her despite having ended their relationship. The persona in the song requests to be remembered as someone beautiful, just like most girls would normally wish for.

17. “What Dreams Are Made Of” by Hilary Duff

Album: “The Lizzie McGuire Movie” Soundtrack | Style: Pop, Dance-pop

Featured on the soundtrack of Disney’s 2003 “The Lizzie McGuire Movie”, the song embraces one’s dreams and pursues them with passion and determination. The feel-good song vibes center on the idea of love and relationship that is far from reality. The song also expresses an enabling message to chase after your dreams until they become your realities.

16. ” California Dreamin’” by The Mamas and The Papas

Album: “If You Can Believe Your Eyes And Ears” | Style: Country Pop

Considered one of the best classics in American music history, this song has a simple but very impactful lyrical narrative. It tells about the persona of the song who dreams to be in California to escape from the undesirable physiological attributes of New York City. Its personalized verses and soulful vocals have an alluring effect on every listener’s heart.

15. “Teenage Dream” by Katy Perry

Album: “Teenage Dream” | Style: Pop

This song is a tribute to first love, first kiss, and first relationships with which a lot of fans can relate to. It captures the force and naïveté of young love, as well as the rush of emotions brought along by a passionate teenage love affair. This dance-pop music is perfect for energetic dancing and singing along.

14. “American Dream” by MKTO

Album: “MKTO” (self-titled debut album) | Style: Pop, Hip-Hop

Are you one of those people who dream the American dream? This hip-hop-infused song features how people don’t anymore want what they used to want because the American dream causes them to lose sight of reality. It is also pointed out in this song that having a lot of materialistic possessions is necessary but can never really make you happy. With its catchy and energetic beats, this song remains to be a fan favorite for all time.

13. “Daydream Believer” by The Monkees

Album: “The Birds, The Bees & The Monkees” (1968) | Style: Pop, Rock

There is something in the song that is magical and comforting. It is a pop-rock song released in 1967 that sustains a cheerful melody and lyrics all throughout. It is a perfect reminder to its listeners that whenever life kicks your butt off, just keep a good cherry attitude to feel young and hopeful again. The song evokes a theme of escapism and a desire to break free from the monotony of life.

12. “Dreamlover” by Mariah Carey

Album: “Music Box” (1993) | Style: Pop

This song is a romantic yearning for perfect love and anticipation for a deep, meaningful connection with an ideal someone.  This song has been commended by fans for its infectious melody, powerful vocals, and emotional delivery. As you listen to it, you’ll feel like riding a cotton candy cloud in tranquility.

11. “Just a Dream” by Carrie Underwood

Album: “Carnival Ride” (2007) | Style: Country, Pop

For people who had experienced losing their loved one unexpectedly, this song will hit them hard in the soul. It features a woman about to be married who, on her wedding day received the news of his death. She can’t believe that such a tragedy is happening to them and that it is just a dream she refuses to believe. The lyrical narrative of the poem combined with its emotive vocals explores so much about love, loss, and grief.

10. “Just a Dream” by Nelly

Album: “5.0” (2010) | Style: Hip-hop, Pop

Lyrically, the song is about a failed relationship and the pain reflected on lost love. It expresses regret and disappointment over the unfulfilled dreams for the future with a former partner. The thought of what could have been is exemplified within the song as the persona grapples with the reality of the end of a once-perfect relationship. Nelly’s smooth vocals in the song add to its emotional impact and depth.

9. “Dream Weaver” by Gary Wright

Album: “The Dream Weaver” (1975) | Style: Progressive rock, Psychedelic rock

This song explores your imagination as it describes an experience of being lost in a dream world where reality and fantasy seem to be drawn out by a blurred boundary. A dream weaver, as portrayed, is a mystical figure that creates and shapes dreams. This song, too, creates and weaves an equally mystical, dream-like atmosphere to its listeners.

8. “These Dreams” by Heart

Album: “Heart” (1985) | Style: Pop rock

Anything can happen in a dream, and you can be anyone in it, too. Dreams are timeless and you can go on dreaming forever. This song depicts dreams as things that serve as a refuge or a source of hope amidst the challenges of life. Through its melodic and lush production, this song creates a captivating emotional landscape.

7. “All of These Dreams” by Phish

Album: “Fuego” (2014) | Style: Progressive Rock

This song is best for a summer afternoon jam. It fosters a laid-back atmosphere with its captivating lyrical narrative and dynamic musical arrangement. The song delves into the lush realms of a dreamy world and explores the concepts of dreams, inner thoughts, desires, and fears. In totality, the song could transport its listeners to an emotional self-reflection.

6. “Dreams” by The Cranberries

Album: “Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can’t We?” (1993) | Style: Alternative Rock

Indeed, falling in love for the first time is life-changing in every possible way.  Finding true love, in the right place and time with the right person, is tantamount to the persona’s “dreams” coming true. This song also proves that being in love gives a positive transformative effect on everyone.

5. “Dreaming of You” by Selena

Album: “Dreaming of You” (1995) | Style: Pop Ballad

The emotional aura of this love song revolves around longing and the desire to be with someone. Its lyrics vividly describe how the persona in the song wanted to dream of her beloved day and night as if it is only in her dreams that they can be together.  The pop musical style of this song unfailingly captivates an unforgettable sound of a bittersweet experience.

4. “Dream On” by Aerosmith

Album: “Aerosmith” (1973) | Style: Classic Rock

It is a very reflective song to a lot of people, no matter their backgrounds. Although it reflects the harsh reality that the past cannot be undone, it also speaks of a promise that when you keep on dreaming, your dreams may still come true. This song, with its bluesy and rock elements combined, becomes an exemplary track in music history.

3. “All I Have To Do Is Dream” by The Everly Brothers

Album: “The Everly Brothers” | Style: Pop Rock

This timeless classic released in 1958 captures a captivating vocal arrangement that gives a notion that dreaming can sustain the spark of a relationship. The song evidently tells its listeners that dreams are important to provide us with goals and to make life more exciting. However, we also must remember that unfulfilled dreams may cause disappointments and pains. Nevertheless, the persona in the song pushes its listeners to continue dreaming as it is all they must do to be happy.

2. “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” by Green Day

Album: “American Idiot” | Style: Alternative Rock

The song has a powerful, introspective vibe that prompts its listeners to be in a sad yet peaceful atmosphere. The persona’s feeling of walking alone empty in a boulevard of broken dreams suggests the feeling of being lost and disconnected from the world. However, many listeners could relate to these raw emotions in the song because all of us are indulged in the pursuit of our dreams, in one way or another.

1. “Don’t Dream It’s Over” by Crowded House

Album: “Crowded House” (1986) | Style: Pop Rock, Alternative Rock

Undeniably, there is so much wisdom in this song as it delves into the challenges and hardships of life. The song’s main theme is to encourage its listeners to never let their dreams fade away and just continue persevering. The heartfelt lyrics combined with its melodic sound feature a rich harmony and distinctive style that echoes hope and resilience all throughout.