40 best songs about dreams and dreams of all time (2023)

Humanity would not get very far without its dreams. It's what gives people hope, purpose, and motivation to move forward in life.

And dreams come in different shapes and sizes, and they are all equally important.

Regardless of what your dreams are, dream music can help you remember what they mean to you.

So, for today's article, we made a list of the best songs about dreams. We cover different genres and perspectives on dreams, so we're sure you'll find something to your liking!

1. "In Dreams" de Roy Orbison

Have you ever woken up from a dream hoping it would come true? I've done this many times, and it's the most horrible feeling in the world.

Well, Roy Orbison did that too, and the resulting song is widely considered one of the greatest dream songs ever written.

The song "In dreamsIt's about getting back together with a friend or family member.

In his dream, he moves around and talks, and his girlfriend is with him "all the time". He doesn't wake up until just before dawn, and when he does, she's gone.

This is a song about the feeling ofmissing someoneso much so that the only time you can ever see them again is in your dreams. It's a beautiful song, but it also breaks your heart.

2. "Dream On" do Aerosmith

One of Aerosmith's best-known songs, "Dream On" isn't just about fulfilling the fantasies you have in your brain when you close your eyes.

This song is about not giving up on your dreams and doing the necessary work to make them come true.

It might seem like a pretty subdued song compared to the rest of Aerosmith's fantastic repertoire, but the musicality of the lyrics creates an energy that hungry artists can really fuel to keep pushing until their dreams come true.

“Keep dreaming, dream until the dream comes true,” insists Mr. Steven Tyler.

3. “Boulevard Of Broken Dreams” de Green Day

Green Day included the song "Boulevard of Broken Dreams" on their album American Idiot, which was released in 2004 and is billed as an alternative rock opera.

Billie Joe Armstrong, vocalist and guitarist for Green Day, expresses his regret for the past, as well as his own feelings of isolation throughout this song.

Furthermore, the music video has a haunting, almost dreamlike feel to it. This song is more about the dreams you have when you're awake than the ones you have in your sleep.

Goals are dreams too, and unfortunately not achieving one's aspirations can be just as disappointing as seeing the dream thwarted.

This song contributes to the process of describing how the protagonist of a rock opera feels when he is alone.

This song may also convey a personal message from frontman Billie Joe Armstrong, perhaps related to his own feelings of melancholy or despondency.

4. “Dreams” por Fleetwood Mac

This Fleetwood Mac song, which appeared on the band's eleventh studio album Rumors, is sure to be a favorite with fans of the soft rock genre.

The song "dreamstells the story of a lady in a relationship with a man who wants to see other people and dreams of him acknowledging that he lost something good with her when he started seeing other people.

In 1977, the song reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, as well as the Canadian RPM Top 100 Singles chart.

In 2020, the song's popularity skyrocketed as a result of a TikTok video going viral, peaking on Billboard's Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart.

5. "E Dream of Sheep" por Kate Bush

Have you ever wanted to sleep and couldn't? A little insomnia perhaps? Or, how about being forced to sleep while aimlessly sailing the ocean? Although it doesn't make sense, this song is actually about that.

On the second disc of Kate Bush's 1995 masterpiece, "Hounds of Love", there is a seven-track concept piece called "The Ninth Wave".

The song titled “And Dream of Sheep” addresses the ordeal of being adrift in the ocean with no one to help you and with no hope of rescue.

To escape the situation, the main character wants to sleep "and dream of sheep." She tells herself that "any sound of engines will wake her up", but falling asleep in the water is not a good idea, even with a life jacket.

The voices telling her to stay awake brought her back to reality, saying things like “you have to wake up” and “pay attention”.

There are entire books dedicated to praising how wonderful “The Ninth Wave” is (I remember Bret Anderson of the band Suede, among others, talking about it in a documentary about the album).

The highlight here is an outstanding work created by an artist who was operating at the height of her creative abilities.

For maximum impact, you should listen to it in the early hours of the morning, wearing good headphones and being as relaxed as possible.

6. “Tree of Dreams” de Dave Matthews Band

It takes a great lyricist to develop lyrics for a song that can be interpreted in many different ways by many different people in many different contexts.

The lyrics of this song were connected by some listeners in their minds with the passing of a loved one, be it a child or a partner.

Some people took it more literally and interpreted it as the tree watching people dreaming around it. However, when the dreams disappear, the lifespan of the tree also comes to an end.

It's a song with a darker tone that really talks about how personal development can also lead to the death of dreams.

It doesn't matter how you hear the music; everyone can agree that it's an excellent piece of music that should be played over and over again.

7. Taylor Swift's "Wildest Dreams"

Listeners who prefer pop music and country guitar are likely already familiar with this hit release from Taylor Swift.

The concept of dreams of love and dreaming romantically is the focal point of this song. Taylor Swift is known for writing songs that focus on romantic relationships and getting better.

Because of this, the fact that she wrote a song with a dreamy theme about a couple in love should come as no surprise.

In this song, he paints a melancholy but realistic picture of an idyllic love scenario that, in the end, may turn out to be nothing more than a dream. Listeners will be able to empathize with this scenario.

Additionally, the song was considered for an MTV Movie Award in the Best Musical Moment category.

8. "A Head Full of Dreams" de Coldplay

This chart-topping song was released bybritish rock bandColdplay in 2015, and was taken from the album of the same name.

It's about embracing and accepting what happens in your life, as well as recognizing the beauty and limitless possibilities that come with dreams.

There are loads of other amazing songs that Coldplay have released, like "Viva La Vida" which is included in our playlist onbest songs ever.

Between 2015 and 2017, "A Head Full of Dreams" peaked at #2 on the Belgian and Icelandic charts, and peaked at #26 on the Billboard Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart in the US.

9. Neil Young's "After the Gold Rush"

Young played piano on 'After the Gold Rush', which is one of his weirdest songs but also one of his most beloved songs. The only other instrument that can be heard is a flugelhorn playing a mournful tune in the background.

In it, we witness environmentalist Neil Young, singing about a dream (almost like a biblical vision) he had about the future of the human race.

“We put Mother Nature on the run”, and if we continue to do what we are doing, we will be forced to replace the seed that Mother Nature gave us “for a new home in the sun”.

It was a significant change from his previous work and was composed specifically for the soundtrack of an unreleased film starring Dean Stockwell.

However, the film was never released. Despite this, the song went on to become an iconic "moment" in Young's long and illustrious career.

10. "Don't Dream It's Over" por Crowded House

In 1986, the Australian rock band known as Crowded House released a song entitled "Don't Dream It's Over". The track was included on the band's first album, which was simply called Crowded House.

The lyrics of this song are intended to be motivational. It encourages the listener to never give up on their goals and aspirations.

This could apply to the listener's dreams of love, dreams about their careers, fantasies about their social life, or any other type of dream they have.

By 1987, the popular song had already been considered for three different MTV Video Music Award nominations.

11. "I Have Dreams to Remember" by Ottis Redding

Do you know what your dreams are? And are you doing anything to make them come true?

Well, Ottis Redding can certainly remind you to think about your dreams.

He recorded "I've Got Dreams To Remember" in 1968, but we still haven't forgotten him. It's a touching and tender song, and its charm is undeniably timeless.

12. “You Make My Dreams Come True” by Hall & Oates

In addition to reminding you of your dreams, “You Make My Dreams Come True” will make you dance. It's a sweet, uplifting song released on the duo's 1980 album, "Voices".

The song is featured in several movies and TV shows such as "500 Days Of Summer" and "The Wedding Singer".

It's basically a love song: sometimes your dreams come true when you share them with someone else.

13. “Dreams” de The Cranberries

This is possibly one of the most popular songs about dreams.

The song is featured on The Cranberries' debut studio album, "Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can't We?" in 2003, although it was released as a single in 2002.

“Dreams” is about hopeful melodies, Dolores O'Riordan's mesmerizing voice and genuine lyrics.

14. Beck's "dreams"

Another song titled "Dreams" was released in 2015 by famous American singer-songwriter Beck. It is one of the songs that defined Beck's more modern sound.

Essentially, it's a catchy indie song with quirky lyrics, perfect for confident driving or walking down the street.

15. “Dulces Sueños” de BØRNS

Did you call that special someone to wish you sweet dreams last night? If not, you can send them this song by an American singer known as BØRNS.

The song was released on the singer's studio album, "Blue Madonna", in 2018, and is a perfect example of how most of her songs are. It's a cool pop song that will probably stick in your head for a while.

However, this particular track sounds a little more dreamy.

16. "Dreams" de The Temper Trap

“Dreams” by The Temper Trap isn't one of the most famous songs about dreams, but it's definitely worth mentioning.

There's something catchy about this song, and it's definitely a good soundtrack for daydreaming.

17. “Sweet dreams (are made of this)” de Eurythmics, Annie Lennox e Dave Stewart

And our next song is far from unknown.

Annie Lenox's signature track is undoubtedly one of the most iconic songs about dreams. In fact, it is generally one of the greatest classics ever written.

In the book 'Annie Lennox: The Biography', Lennox explained that "Sweet Dreams" is about the pursuit of fulfillment and the desires that motivate us.

So while many people see it as the ultimate dance album, it's actually a fundamentally existential song about some uncomfortable issues.

18. "Dreaming with a Broken Heart" por John Mayer

John Mayer says: When you dream of a broken heart, waking up is the hardest part.

If you're currently one of those heartbroken people, this dreamy and soulful ballad might help you process some uncomfortable feelings.

Either way, it's one of those melancholy songs about dreams and all the ways they can fall apart.

19. “Dream” por Imagine Dragons

Imagine Dragons also recorded a dream-themed song. And while it's not one of her popular hits, "Dream" is actually a very powerful song.

He talks about times when you realize everything is a mess, but you hold on to your hopes and dreams despite it all.

You can hear Dan Reynolds singing:

but i want to dream

I want to dream

Let me dream.

20. “Dream” by Bishop Briggs

Sarah Grace McLaughlin, known professionally as Bishop Briggs, is a British singer known for making motivational songs filled with feelings of determination.

And his song "Dream" is no different. As she says in one of the verses, she feels lost and bitter. But the song also has an element of hope that matches the song's title.

21. "Dream On" de The Chemical Brothers

When you listen to this kind of music, all you have to do is sit back, relax and get lost in daydreams.

“Dream On” by the Chemical Brothers is an incredibly hopeful and dreamy song that is sure to make you feel a little better after listening to it.

You just have to let it overwhelm you.

22. “Dream State” por Son Lux

Another song that will make you daydream is “Dream State” by Son Lux.

However, Son Lux has a tendency to put its listeners in a unique reverie mode.

It certainly sounds less hopeful than the previous track, but it's definitely interesting. Sometimes they sound like they are creating their own musical genre.

23. "Dreams" of Nuages

Suppose you were able every night to dream any dream you wanted to dream...

Thus begins this unique song. Nuages ​​​​can simply take you to another world, where everything is possible and where you can feel your own "fabric of existence".

But you can also put this song on your relaxing playlist, although it is very catchy and almost intense, it is also in a way very relaxing.

24. "Walking on a Dream" por Empire Of The Sun

And listening to “Walking On A Dream” is certainly relaxing. It's a catchy, upbeat song and one of the songs Empire Of The Sun is best known for.

The song was released in 2018, but it still sounds fresh. It's a really nice memory, and it's definitely the kind of song that can make you feel like you've had an amazing day.

It can make you feel like you are walking in a dream.

25. “Fever Dream” de Iron & Wine

Sam Beam, known as Iron & Wine, released this song independently on their studio album "Our Endless Numbered Days" in 2003.

Like most songs on the album, “Fever Dream” sounds mellow and melodic.

Our other pick for this list was “Call It Dreaming” by Iron & Wine, a more uplifting and uplifting song about dreaming.

It's also a great melody, but there's something about "Fever Dream" that is inherently dreamy and beautiful...

26. "Daydreaming" de Harry Styles

Harry Styles' new studio album, "Harry's House", sounds like it was made for summer daydreams.

And the meaning behind his song "Daydreaming" is quite simple: he just wants to spend time with someone he loves and have something to dream about.

27. "In My Dreams" de Emmylou Harris

It is sweetCountry musicabout dreams will remind you that at least in your dreams everything can go well.

In music, Emmylou Harris would also rather know the truth than live a life of lies. And even though she's obviously singing about a failed relationship, she still sounds hopeful...

28. "California Dreamin'" by The Mamas & The Papas

Well, it's fair to say that "California Dreamin'" is an absolute classic among dream music.

However, "California Dreamin'" was not an immediate hit. But things, of course, have changed. Either way, it's a beautiful, dreamy love ballad with plenty of nostalgia.

The band wrote the song in 1963 when John and Michelle Phillips were living in New York. In fact, John supposedly dreamed of the song and woke Michelle up to help him write it.

29. "Just a Dream" de Nelly

On her chart-topping 2010 hit "Just A Dream," Nelly sings about being heartbroken.

The boy in the song regrets that he is not together with his girlfriend and is trying to fix everything, but he realizes that it was just a dream.

We don't know if the guy finally got his girlfriend back, but we do know that he's the protagonist of one of the most popular R&B/hip-hop songs ever written.

30. "If I Can Dream" by Elvis Presley

Elvis Presley was one of the legendary musicians who had a vision and big dreams.

And his “If I Can Dream” is exactly how he wanted it to be; dreamy, nostalgic and memorable.

For the 2022 film about Elvis, Måneskin covered the song. And although singing Elvis songs is tricky, they really did a good job.

31. “Dream a Little Dream of Me” de Doris Day

The stars shine on you, the night breeze seems to whisper "I love you"...

Without a doubt, “Dream A Little Dream Of Me” is the most iconic dream song on this list. It's a timeless classic written in 1931 and has been covered by other artists ever since.

One of the most famous covers is a version by Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong recorded in 1950. Also magical.

32. “Dreams” by The Kooks

The Kooks "Dreams" on their studio album "Listen" in 2014.

The song's lyrics are open to interpretation, but fit the repetitive melody and calm vibes of the song.

Baby, in the morning pour me your dreams...

33. “Sad Dream” by Sky Ferreira

If you're looking for dream songs, look no further: Sky Ferreira's “Sad Dream” will immediately put you in a dreamy frame of mind.

The music is melancholy, but not too sad. In our opinion, it's one of their most beautiful songs and it certainly deserves a spot on this list.

34. “40 Day Dream” de Edward Sharpe e The Magnetic Zeros

And if you're looking for something more uplifting, this is for you.

While “40 Day Dream” isn't one of the happiest songs on Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, it does sound very hopeful.

We have no idea what the lyrics are about, but the vibes are good.

35. "I Could Be Dreaming" de Belle e Sebastian

Belle and Sebastian are known for making sweet and fun songs, so it's no surprise that they wrote a song about dreams.

They released "I Could Be Dreaming" on their "Tigermilk" in 1996.

36. "The Kingdom of Dreams" from The Sandman OST

“The Sandman” is one of Netflix's most recent hit TV shows. And it's great, but one of the best things about the show is the soundtrack.

This title track really sounds like magic... It will immediately transport you to a dream realm.

Furthermore, the main character of the show is called Dream.

37. "Dream Within a Dream" por Inception OST

Another soundtrack that seems fitting for this list is “Dream Within A Dream” from the movie Inception.

Hans Zimmer did a great job here; the entire soundtrack is very memorable and powerful.

38. "Dream Operator" por Talking Heads

"True Stories" is a 1986 American musical comedy film about a small Texas town full of strange musical characters.

The film is directed by David Byrne, so the fact that Talking Heads contributed to its soundtrack stands to reason. And the song “Dream Operator” is one of the songs on the soundtrack.

39. "Punching In A Dream" de The Naked And The Famous

“Punching In A Dream” is an upbeat indie pop song released in 2010. It's also quite a danceable song.

And while it sounds uplifting, the song is actually about struggles and fears. However, the lyrics can be interpreted in a different way, so it depends on you and what you need to hear at the moment.

40. Lorde's "Team"

Even though "Team" is one of the songs that Lorde released in 2013, it's still a song that's always enjoyable to listen to.

The song is very young and full of hope, and it can easily take you into your own dream world. So it seems like a fitting song to end our short list of the best songs about dreams.

Living in the ruins of a palace inside my dreams

And you know we're on each other's team.

Songs About Dreams - Final Considerations

I hope this dream playlist has reminded you of your dreams or helped you figure out what they are.

Either way, you shouldn't just wish for things to happen. It's great to have big dreams, but it's just as important to actively work towards them.

And the song about dreams can assure you that anything is possible if you put your energy into it.

So turn up the volume and keep dreaming!

Similar playlists:

songs about time