Introduction
The most renowned rendition of the song was crafted by the Everly Brothers at RCA Studios Nashville, released as a single in April 1958. The magic unfolded during a live recording session, captured in just two takes on March 6, 1958, featuring the skilled guitar work of Chet Atkins. A remarkable achievement for the Everly Brothers, the single soared to No. 1 on all Billboard singles charts simultaneously, a feat unparalleled in its time. Starting on May 12, 1958, it secured the top spot on the “Best Sellers in Stores” chart, followed by dominance on the “Most Played by Jockeys” and “Top 100” charts on May 19, 1958, maintaining its No. 1 status for four, five, and three consecutive weeks, respectively. With the introduction of the Billboard Hot 100 chart in August 1958, the song concluded the year at No. 2. “All I Have to Do Is Dream” also achieved the pinnacle position on the R&B chart and marked the Everly Brothers’ third country chart-topper.
Beyond U.S. borders, the song enjoyed international acclaim, notably in the United Kingdom, where it dominated the New Musical Express chart in June 1958, reigning supreme for seven weeks, including a joint number one with Vic Damone’s “On the Street Where You Live.” It lingered on the UK chart for an impressive 21 weeks. Recognized as one of the best songs ever, it found a place on British music magazine Q’s 1001 best songs ever list in 2003.
Acknowledged as one of the “500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll” by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, “All I Have to Do Is Dream” earned the Grammy Hall of Fame Award in 2004, sealing its status as an enduring masterpiece.
On the B-side, “Claudette” not only complemented the success of the A-side but also marked a significant triumph for Roy Orbison, who recorded his own version. The song’s success prompted Orbison to sever ties with Sun Records, aligning himself with the Everly Brothers’ publisher, Acuff-Rose Music, setting the stage for further achievements in his illustrious career.
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Lyrics
Dream, dream, dream, dreamDream, dream, dream, dreamWhen I want you in my armsWhen I want you and all your charmsWhenever I want you, all I have to do isDream, dream, dream, dreamWhen I feel blue in the nightAnd I need you to hold me tightWhenever I want you, all I have to do isDreamI can make you mine, taste your lips of wineAnytime, night or dayOnly trouble is, gee whizI’m dreamin’ my life awayI need you so that I could dieI love you so and that is whyWhenever I want you, all I have to do isDream, dream, dream, dreamDreamI can make you mine, taste your lips of wineAnytime, night or dayOnly trouble is, gee whizI’m dreamin’ my life awayI need you so that I could dieI love you so and that is whyWhenever I want you, all I have to do isDream, dream, dream, dreamDream, dream, dream, dreamDream, dream, dream, dreamDream