Only a Dream

The Kinks

About Only a Dream

"Only a Dream" is a song released and performed by the British rock band The Kinks, written by the main songwriter of the band, Ray Davies. The song appeared on their 1993 album Phobia, the band's final LP.


Year:
1993
5:04
135 
#3

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Standing by the elevator
Feeling gloomy and down
Waiting for the flashing light
To lift me up from the ground

Then the elevator opened
And I saw her standing there
She had to be a young executive
She looked so corporate and clean

And I thought I'd seen her somewhere before
On the cover of a magazine
I didn't think she'd even look at me
Or bother to glance my way

But she actually smiled at me and said
Hi-ya handsome, have a good day

[Chorus]
I must be dreaming if she looks at me
I gotta be dreaming, is it a fantasy
Now I've got positive emotions
Buzzing 'round every molecule in me
I gotta be dreaming, is it reality
But over and over I live that memory
Was it real or only a dream
La la la la

Was it my imagination playing tricks on me
When she looked my way
Maybe she took me for somebody else
Whatever it was, it made my day, hey hey

I wake up in the morning
Smiling with anticipation
Suddenly I feel alive
Face the world with expectation

I must be dreaming this world is a better place
Was my imagination playing tricks on me
Was it real or only a dream?
I see a great big sunset

Where only clouds used to be
Was it all an illusion, is it fantasy
If it's just a dream
It's good enough for me, yeah yeah

Waiting by the elevator
Feeling optimistic and keen
Waiting for my executive goddess
To appear as if in a dream

Then the elevator opened
She was talking to another guy
And I tried to say hello to her
But I failed to even catch her eye

Then everybody crowded inside
And I sadly stood my ground
Thinking life's just like that elevator
It takes you up and brings you down

[Chorus]

Was it only an illusion
Was it real or only a dream

[Chorus]

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The Kinks

The Kinks were an English rock band formed in Muswell Hill, North London, by brothers Ray and Dave Davies in 1964. Categorised in the United States as a British Invasion band, the Kinks are recognised as one of the most important and influential rock groups of the era. Their music was influenced by a wide range of genres, including rhythm and blues, British music hall, folk and country. Ray Davies (lead vocals, rhythm guitar) and Dave Davies (lead guitar, vocals) remained members throughout the group's 32-year run. Original members Pete Quaife (bass guitar, vocals) and Mick Avory (drums and percussion) were replaced by John Dalton in 1969 and Bob Henrit in 1984, respectively. Dalton was in turn replaced by Jim Rodford in 1978. Keyboardist Nicky Hopkins accomp… more »

8 fans

Written by: Ray Davies

Lyrics © Songtrust Ave

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Song Origin
"Only a Dream" is a song by the English rock band The Kinks. The band was formed in 1964 and is regarded as one of the most important and influential rock bands of the 1960s.
Album Information
This song is part of the album "Phobia," their 17th studio album, which was released in 1993. The Kinks disbanded just two years after the album's release, in 1996.
Songwriting Credit
The track was written by the band's frontman and primary songwriter, Ray Davies. Over his career, Davies is credited for numerous hits for the band.
Music Style
"Only a Dream" is widely recognized for its pop-rock style with elements of classic rock. The album "Phobia" was known for mixing various styles, including rock, pop, and country.
Reception
Despite the band's historical influence, the album "Phobia" including the song "Only a Dream" didn't experience significant commercial success. It peaked at number 166 on the Billboard 200 in the United States.
Single Release
"Only a Dream" was released as a single in the USA and Germany only. It was the second of the three singles from the "Phobia" album.
Promotion
To promote the single "Only a Dream," a music video was released, featuring the band performing the track.
Lyrics Theme
The song narrates feelings of disillusionment and heartbreak, a consistent theme with many songs by The Kinks.
Live Performances
Unfortunately, "Only a Dream" was not often performed live by the band during their concerts. It was performed mainly in the USA during the "Phobia" tour.
Legacy
Although it wasn't a commercial success, "Only a Dream" is appreciated by The Kinks' fans today for its deeply felt lyrics and classic rock style.

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