About the song
“Dream a Little Dream of Me” is a timeless classic that transcends generations with its soothing melody and heartfelt lyrics. Composed in 1931 by Fabian Andre and Wilbur Schwandt, with lyrics penned by Gus Kahn, the song has become a cherished standard in the realm of popular music, boasting an impressive record of over 400 different recorded versions.
The song initially gained prominence through early recordings by Ozzie Nelson and Wayne King in February 1931, setting the stage for its enduring appeal. Its tender lyrics, evoking images of starlit nights and whispered goodbyes, paint a nostalgic picture of longing and romance. The sentimentality of Gus Kahn’s words captures a sense of bittersweet yearning, epitomized in lines like “Say nighty-night and kiss me, just hold me tight and tell me you’ll miss me.”
Over the decades, “Dream a Little Dream of Me” has been reinterpreted by a myriad of artists across various genres. Notably, its revival in 1968 by Cass Elliot with the Mamas & the Papas catapulted the song to new heights of popularity. Recorded for their album “The Papas & the Mamas,” Cass Elliot’s rendition, infused with her rich, soulful vocals, became an instant classic. Despite initial reservations about its style, Cass Elliot’s heartfelt delivery and personal touch resonated deeply with listeners, solidifying its place as one of the group’s most beloved tracks.
Released as a single in June 1968, “Dream a Little Dream of Me” soared on the charts, reaching #12 on the Billboard Hot 100 and making a significant impact on the Easy Listening chart as well. Its success was further bolstered by its introspective charm and the distinctive acoustic arrangement that highlighted Cass Elliot’s evocative voice. The song’s popularity extended globally, achieving top rankings in the UK, Ireland, South Africa, and Australia, where it topped the charts.
Cass Elliot’s solo debut album, “Dream a Little Dream,” featured a slightly altered version of the song, underscoring her individual artistry beyond her role in the Mamas & the Papas. Decades later, a re-release of the song in Europe in 1992 rekindled its appeal, reaffirming its status as a timeless classic.
“Dream a Little Dream of Me” remains a testament to the enduring power of music to evoke emotion and nostalgia. With its poignant lyrics and soulful melodies, it continues to captivate audiences worldwide, transcending generations and genres alike, ensuring its place in the pantheon of musical treasures.
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Lyrics
And now to sing this lovely ballad
Here it is
Mama Cass
Stars shinin’ bright above you
Night breezes seem to whisper, “I love you”
Birds singin’ in the sycamore tree
Dream a little dream of me
Say, “Nighty-night” and kiss me
Just hold me tight and tell me you’ll miss me
While I’m alone and blue as can be
Dream a little dream of me
Stars fadin’ but I linger on, dear
Still cravin’ your kiss
I’m longin’ to linger ’til dawn, dear
Just saying this
Sweet dreams ’til sunbeams find you
Sweet dreams that leave all worries behind you
But in your dreams, whatever they be
Dream a little dream of me
Stars fadin’ but I linger on, dear
Still cravin’ your kiss
I’m longing to linger ’til dawn, dear
Just saying this
Sweet dreams ’til sunbeams find you
Sweet dreams that leave all worries far behind you
But in your dreams, whatever they be
Dream a little dream of me