Dreams Go By

Harry Chapin

About Dreams Go By

"Dreams Go By" is a song written and performed by Harry Chapin. The song was included on his 1975 album, Portrait Gallery. The song is about life passing by, and your dreams not coming true. The song became a top 40 adult contemporary hit, peaking at #33 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary, where it stayed for two weeks.


Year:
1975
4:46
196 
#1

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There you stand in your dungarees
Looking all grown up and so very pleased
When you write your poems they have so much to say
When you speak your dreams it takes my breath away

You know I want to be a ball player
A regular slugging fool
But I guess our dreams must wait awhile
Until we finish school

And so you and I
We watch our years go by
We watch our sweet dreams fly
Far away, but maybe someday

I don't know when
But we will dream again
And we'll be happy then
'Til our time just drifts away

There you stand in your wedding dress
You're so beautiful that I must confess
I'm so proud you have chosen me
When a doctor is what you want to be

You know I want to be a painter, girl
A real artistic snob
But I guess we'll have our children first
You'll find a home, I'll get a job

Listen to the seasons passing
Listen to the wind blow
Listen to the children laughing
Where do broken dreams go?

There you stand in your tailored suit
So many years gone by, but you're still so cute
You take the car to go and meet the bus
When our grandchildren come to visit us

You say you should have been a ballerina, babe
There are songs I should have sung
But I guess our dreams have come and gone
You're 'sposed dream when you are young

And so you and I
We'll watch our years go by
We'll watch our sweet dreams fly
Far away, but maybe someday

I don't know when
But we will dream again
And we'll be happy then
'Til our time just drifts away

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Harry Chapin

Harry Forster Chapin (December 7, 1942 – July 16, 1981) was an American singer-songwriter best known for his folk rock songs including "Taxi", "W*O*L*D", and the No. 1 hit "Cat's in the Cradle". Chapin was also a dedicated humanitarian who fought to end world hunger; he was a key player in the creation of the Presidential Commission on World Hunger in 1977. In 1987, Chapin was posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Medal for his humanitarian work. more »

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Written by: HARRY F. CHAPIN

Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Songwriting
"Dreams Go By" is a stirring song written by Harry Chapin. A talented songwriter, Chapin cemented his legacy in American music for generations to come with songs precisely like this one.
Album Release
The song is included in his 1974 album "Verities & Balderdash." This album also contains "Cat's in the Cradle," one of Harry Chapin's most popular songs.
Music Style
"Dreams Go By" is marked by Chapin's distinctive songwriting style that is melodically rich and lyrically thought-provoking. This style is characterized by storytelling in his songs or what is commonly known as folk narrative.
Lyrics Origin
Harry Chapin was known to write songs based on his personal experiences, introspections, and observations. The lyrics of "Dream," too, reflect a profound understanding and significance of pursuing one's dreams.
Chart Success
Just like many other songs in the album, “Dreams Go By” didn’t particularly top any charts, but the album "Verities & Balderdash" was a commercial success, reaching number 4 on the Billboard 200 chart.
Philanthropic Effort
All of Chapin’s concert earnings post-1977, including the live performances of "Dreams Go By," were donated to charity, earning him the Congressional Gold Medal.
Legacy of the Song
"Dreams Go By" continues to touch people with its comforting lyrics and melody. To this day, it's seen as a powerful reminder of the importance to chase one’s dreams before it's too late.
Melancholic Tones
The song carries an undercurrent of melancholy, reflecting the tragic and untimely death of Harry Chapin himself in a car accident.
Recording
Just like other tracks in the album, "Dreams Go By" was mastered at the famous Atlantic Studios, renowned for hosting artists including Led Zeppelin and Aretha Franklin.
Impact on Harry Chapin’s Career
The lyrical brilliance and touching melody of "Dreams Go By", like the other songs in the album, solidified Harry Chapin's brilliant storytelling capability and musical talent.

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