Cheer up sleepy Jean, oh, what can it mean to a/
Daydream believer and a Homecoming queen?

Admittedly, I didn’t hear “Daydream Believer” as top 500 material until I heard Mary Beth Maziarz’ cover of the song. It reminded me of what a beautifully composed song it is. The Monkeys’ version can get in the way with the goofiness. That is not really what I am looking for in a rock/pop song.

The lyrics are simple: a couple that were high-school sweethearts are looking at themselves later in life. Life is mundane and they are poor, but at least they have each other (and she used to be a homecoming queen). How bad can things be?

I think the lyrics of the song are kind of depressing, which makes the Monkey’s version that much weirder. Does a song need to match its lyrics? I think so. It makes for a better song. The melody is classic, which is why it belongs on this list. I think the Maziarz version truly captures the spirit of the song the best.

Daydream Believer Lyrics

Oh, I could hide ‘neath the wings,
Of the bluebird as she sings.
The six o’clock alarm would never ring.
But six rings and I rise,
Wipe the sleep out of my eyes.
My shaving razor’s cold and it stings.

Cheer up, sleepy Jean.
Oh, what can it mean to a
Daydream believer and a
Homecoming queen?

You once thought of me
As a white knight on his steed.
Now you know how happy I can be.
Oh, our good time starts and ends,
Without dollar one spend.
But how much, baby, do we really need?

Cheer up, sleepy Jean.
Oh, what can it mean to a
Daydream believer and a
Homecoming queen?

Cheer up, sleepy Jean.
Oh, what can it mean to a
Daydream believer and a
Homecoming queen?

Cheer up, sleepy Jean.
Oh, what can it mean to a
Daydream believer and a
Homecoming queen?
Cheer up, sleepy Jean.

Oh, what can it mean to a
Daydream believer and a
Homecoming queen?
Cheer up, sleepy Jean.

Songwriters: John Stewart