Included on Halcyon Days (album) .. 2004.
Dreamland features: Bruce Hornsby (piano, vocals, keyboards); J.V. Collier (bass); Sonny Emory (drums); Doug Derryberry (guitar); J.T. Thomas (organ); Elton John (vocals); Lloyd Jones (vocals); Peter Harris (orchestral arrangements); Woody Green (backing vocals); Ralph Payne (backing vocals); Donnie Stuckey (backing vocals).
Dreamland meaning
Bruce Hornsby’s song “Dreamland” is a poignant and heartfelt tribute to his children. It explores themes of love, hope, and the desire to provide comfort in the face of life’s challenges. The song captures the innocence of childhood while acknowledging the difficulties that can arise as one grows up.
Messages of comfort and escape
The lyrics convey a sense of reassurance, encouraging children to slip away into their dreams as a form of escape from their worries. Lines like “Isn’t this old night so nice” and “I hope you can feel what I feel tonight” create a soothing atmosphere, inviting listeners to find solace in their imagination. The repetition of “slip away, slide away into dreamland” serves as a gentle reminder that dreams can offer a refuge from the complexities of life.
Insurmountable problems
Hornsby acknowledges the “insurmountable problems every day,” reflecting the realities that children may face. However, he contrasts these struggles with the idea of a “private place of dreams” where everything is “straight and true.” This duality illustrates the tension between the harshness of reality and the comforting nature of dreams, reinforcing the notion that dreams can provide a temporary escape and a sense of hope.
Parental love and guidance
The song also highlights Bruce’s role as a parent, wishing to guide his children away from pain and hardship. Lines like “Want you to be what you want to be / Don’t want you ever hurt like me” reveal a deep desire to protect them from his own experiences of sadness and struggle. The emphasis on cherishing time together and sharing smiles reinforces the bond between parent and child, making the song feel intimate and relatable.
“Dreamland” is a touching reflection on childhood, offering a blend of reality and fantasy that captures the essence of parental love and the importance of dreams in navigating life’s challenges.