About the song
“Your Wildest Dreams,” released in 1986, is a song by the progressive rock band The Moody Blues that transcends genre and generation. It’s a captivating ballad penned by Justin Hayward, a look back at a past love and the lingering questions that follow.
The song marks a departure from the band’s usual lush sound. Inspired by producer Tony Visconti, Hayward embraced a synth-pop style, evident in the opening sequence that shimmers with a guitar synth mimicking a theremin. The melody, however, remains undeniably Moody Blues, with a touch of classic rock influence noted by some critics.
Hayward’s inspiration stemmed from a desire to revisit his first love. The lyrics paint a picture of a man wondering if the woman who stole his heart all those years ago remembers him. Is she, to him, a cherished memory, while he remains a fleeting thought in her life?
Despite initial reservations about the song’s potential, “Your Wildest Dreams” became a smash hit in the United States, peaking at number nine on the Billboard charts. The success is partly attributed to the record company’s enthusiastic promotion, but the song’s inherent relatability resonated deeply with listeners. Hayward himself was surprised by the song’s emotional impact, realizing it spoke to a universal experience of lost love and lingering curiosity.
Critics praised the song’s smooth pop-rock sound and its wistful melody. Some, like Malcolm Dome of Classic Rock, lauded its simple yet effective approach, while others, like Will Fenton of The Middle, crowned it the band’s greatest achievement.
The music video, directed by Brian Grant, adds another layer to the story. It depicts Hayward and an unnamed woman throughout his career, showcasing the gradual disconnect as the band’s success blossomed. We see them move on with their lives, yet a sense of “what if” lingers. The video concludes with the woman attending a Moody Blues concert, attempting a backstage reunion that ultimately falls short. This narrative thread continues in the video for the follow-up song, “I Know You’re Out There Somewhere.”
“Your Wildest Dreams” remains a beloved Moody Blues classic. It’s a testament to the power of music to evoke emotions and connect us with shared experiences, reminding us that even the most distant memories can hold a special place in our hearts.
Video
Lyrics
Once upon a time
Once when you were mine
I remember skies
Reflected in your eyes
I wonder where you are
I wonder if you think about me
Once upon a time
In your wildest dreams
Once the world was new
Our bodies felt the morning dew
That greets the brand-new day
We couldn’t tear ourselves away
I wonder if you care
I wonder if you still remember
Once upon a time
In your wildest dreams
And when the music plays
And when the words are touched with sorrow
When the music plays
I hear the sound I had to follow
Once upon a time
Once beneath the stars
The universe was ours
Love was all we knew
And all I knew was you
I wonder if you know
I wonder if you think about it
Once upon a time
In your wildest dreams
And when the music plays
And when the words are touched with sorrow
When the music plays
And when the music plays
I hear the sound I had to follow
Once upon a time
Once upon a time
Once when you were mine
I remember skies
Mirrored in your eyes
I wonder where you are
I wonder if you think about me
Once upon a time
In your wildest dreams
In your wildest dreams
In your wildest dreams
In your wildest dreams