Oh, my life/
Is changing every day/
In every possible way.
Dolores O’Riordian has the most distinct female voice in rock. In “Dreams” she–singing lead for The Cranberries–sounds amazing— frankly, like a dream. With most Cranberries songs, you don’t even care about the lyrics, you just want to hear something and anything come out of Dolores mouth- that is enough.
“Dreams” is one of The Cranberries more upbeat and lighthearted songs. It is about finding the person of your dreams and the feeling of change you feel within, but also the hope and slight fear. Fear that you might get hurt.
The Cranberries musicianship should not be ignored. Dreams contains a strong rhythm section—especially the drums. Seriously, listen to them. It is a very atypical beat. The lead electric guitar also creates several memorable riffs that would make this song recognizable for those who covered this song.
Regarding production, a lot of the signature Cranberries sound is produced by the over-dubbing of Dolores’ voice with her own voice. (Who could be a better background singer than Dolores?) Notice the difference between her two singing voices. Amazing. However, you can also hear that the other members of the band add strong vocals—especially during the outro.
Dreams Lyrics
Oh, my life-
Is changing every day,
In every possible way.
And oh, my dreams-
It’s never quite as it seems.
Never quite as it seems.
I know I’ve felt like this before.
But now I’m feeling it even more.
Because it came from you.
Then I open up and see
The person falling here is me.
A different way to be.
I want more-
Impossible to ignore,
Impossible to ignore.
They’ll come true-
Impossible not to do,
Impossible not to do.
Now I tell you openly-
You have my heart so don’t hurt me.
You’re what I couldn’t find.
Totally amazing mind-
So understanding and so kind.
You’re everything to me.
Oh, my life-
Is changing every day,
In every possible way.
And oh, my dreams-
It’s never quite as it seems.
‘Cause you’re a dream to me.
Dream to me.
Songwriters: Noel Anthony Hogan / Dolores Mary O’Riordan