The River of Dreams

Billy Joel

About The River of Dreams

"The River of Dreams" is a song by American musician Billy Joel. It is the title track and first single from his 1993 album River of Dreams. The song was a hit, peaking at number 3 on the United States and UK charts, making it Joel's highest charting of the 1990s (River of Dreams was the only album he released during the 1990s). It also hit the top spot in Australia, New Zealand, and on the Canadian and US Adult Contemporary charts. The song was produced by Joe Nicolo and Danny Kortchmar. At least four versions of the song have been recorded and released. Two versions (released years later) include a bridge section containing a piano interlude paralleling Joel's melody from his song "Lullabye (Goodnight My Angel)," which is from the same album. These versions can be found on the boxed sets My Lives and Complete Hits Collection: 1973–1999 – but even these versions differ from each other, both in length and in arrangement: one, for instance, has more percussion. A fourth mix appears as a bonus cut on the UK CD single of "River of Dreams" — the "percapella mix" done by Nicolo. 


Year:
1993
4:07
158,027 
#48

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In the middle of the night
I go walking in my sleep
From the mountains of faith
To a river so deep

I must be looking for something
Something sacred I lost
But the river is wide
And it's too hard to cross

And even though I know the river is wide
I walk down every evening and I stand on the shore
And try to cross to the opposite side
So I can finally find out what I've been looking for

In the middle of the night
I go walking in my sleep
Through the valley of fear
To a river so deep

And I've been searching for something
Taken out of my soul
Something I would never lose
Something somebody stole

I don't know why I go walking at night
But now I'm tired and I don't want to walk anymore
I hope it doesn't take the rest of my life
Until I find what it is that I've been looking for

In the middle of the night
I go walking in my sleep
Through the jungle of doubt
To a river so deep

I know I'm searching for something
Something so undefined
That it can only be seen
By the eyes of the blind

In the middle of the night

I'm not sure about a life after this
God knows I've never been a spiritual man
Baptized by the fire, I wade into the river
That runs to the promised land

In the middle of the night
I go walking in my sleep
Through the desert of truth
To the river so deep

We all end in the ocean
We all start in the streams
We're all carried along
By the river of dreams

In the middle of the night

 The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com


Billy Joel

William Martin "Billy" Joel (born May 9, 1949) is an American pianist, singer-songwriter, and composer. Since releasing his first hit song, "Piano Man," in 1973, Joel has become the sixth best-selling recording artist and the third best-selling solo artist in the United States, according to the RIAA. He also has the third best-selling album in the United States with his Greatest Hits Vol. 1 & 2. more »

16 fans

Written by: Billy Joel

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Album & Release
"The River of Dreams" is a song by American musician Billy Joel. It was released as the lead single from his twelfth studio album, River of Dreams, in 1994.
Songwriting & Inspiration
Billy Joel wrote the song, explaining it was inspired by a dream. The lyrics of this song depict Joel's issues with writing material for the album.
Genre & Style
This song is a pop-rock track with elements of gospel music, showcasing Billy Joel's varied musical style.
Chart Performance
"The River of Dreams" is one of Joel's most successful singles. It peaked at #1 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart and got to #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the U.S. It also topped charts in countries such as Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.
Music Video
The song's music video, directed by Andy Morahan, features Billy Joel's real-life wife at the time, Christie Brinkley, who was pregnant. Christie paints the cover art for the album in the music video.
Award Nominations
"The River of Dreams" was nominated for several awards, including Record of the Year at the 1994 Grammy Awards. However, it did not win in any category.
Song Interpretations
The lyrics of the song have been interpreted by some as Billy Joel's journey to find faith.
Cover Versions
Several artists have covered "The River of Dreams" in concerts, including Garth Brooks and the choir group Celtic Thunder.
Song Usage
"The River of Dreams" has been used in numerous TV shows and movies, such as The Office, Parks, and Recreation, and The War of the Roses.
Public Recognition
The song is considered a classic of the 1990s and remains one of Billy Joel's most recognized and popular songs.

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    The River of Dreams

    33.5M
    160.9K     4,873

    Top Hot 100 Songs 1993

    Billboard #3


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