About the song
“Dreams” is a timeless classic from Fleetwood Mac, showcasing the band’s distinctive blend of rock and pop. Written and sung by Stevie Nicks, the track was released as the second single from their eleventh studio album, *Rumours*, in March 1977 in the United States and in June 1977 in the United Kingdom. The song quickly gained traction, eventually reaching the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming Fleetwood Mac’s only number-one single in the US. Additionally, it topped the RPM Top 100 Singles chart in Canada.
The creation of “Dreams” was deeply intertwined with the emotional turbulence that characterized the recording of *Rumours*. The band members were grappling with personal upheavals, including divorces and breakups, which heavily influenced the album’s themes. Despite the turmoil, the band managed to channel their experiences into a cohesive and compelling sound. Stevie Nicks composed the song in early 1976 at the Record Plant studio in Sausalito, California. She described the writing process as both spontaneous and experimental, capturing the song’s signature dance beat and hypnotic quality with minimal instrumentation.
The recording process saw innovative techniques employed by producer Ken Caillat and the band. Caillat’s use of a drum loop and strategic microphone placement for Nicks’ vocals contributed to the song’s distinctive sound. Fleetwood Mac meticulously crafted the track’s layers, incorporating electric guitars, vibraphones, and backing vocals to enhance its depth and texture.
The reception of “Dreams” was highly positive. Critics praised Stevie Nicks’ evocative vocal performance and the song’s subtle intensity. The track has been hailed as a quintessential example of Fleetwood Mac’s sound and has been ranked highly in various “greatest songs” lists, including number nine on Rolling Stone’s 2021 list of the “500 Greatest Songs of All Time.”
In a remarkable resurgence of popularity, “Dreams” experienced a revival in late 2020. A viral TikTok video by Nathan Apodaca, which featured him skateboarding while drinking Ocean Spray cranberry juice to the tune of “Dreams,” led to the song re-entering charts worldwide. The song not only reappeared on the Billboard Hot 100 but also saw renewed success on streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, reflecting its enduring appeal.
The song’s legacy is solidified through its continued presence in popular culture, including its inclusion in films and TV shows. It remains a testament to Fleetwood Mac’s ability to craft music that resonates across generations, encapsulating the essence of their era while continuing to captivate new audiences.
Video
Lyrics
Now here you go again
You say you want your freedom
Well, who am I to keep you down?
It’s only right that you should
Play the way you feel it
But listen carefully
To the sound of your loneliness
Like a heartbeat drives you mad
In the stillness of remembering what you had
And what you lost
And what you had
And what you lost
Oh, thunder only happens when it’s rainin’
Players only love you when they’re playin’
Say women, they will come and they will go
When the rain washes you clean, you’ll know
You’ll know
Now here I go again
I see the crystal visions
I keep my visions to myself
It’s only me who wants to wrap around your dreams
And have you any dreams you’d like to sell?
Dreams of loneliness
Like a heartbeat drives you mad
In the stillness of remembering what you had
And what you lost
And what you had
Ooh, what you lost
Thunder only happens when it’s rainin’
Players only love you when they’re playin’
Women, they will come and they will go
When the rain washes you clean, you’ll know
Oh, thunder only happens when it’s rainin’
Players only love you when they’re playin’
Say women, they will come and they will go
When the rain washes you clean, you’ll know
You’ll know
You will know
Oh, you’ll know