“Dreams” is a song from Fleetwood Mac’s eleventh studio album Rumours (1977). The tune was written by Stevie Nicks and ranks among Fleetwood Mac’s biggest hits. The song’s (and album’s) creation and meaning are deeply intertwined with the band’s turbulent personal relationships, making it a captivating piece of music history. In this article, we will explore the story and meaning behind the song!
The Story Behind the Song
The story behind “Dreams” lies in the tumultuous personal relationships within Fleetwood Mac during the creation of Rumours. Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham’s relationship was ending, while Christine and John McVie were going through a divorce. Additionally, drummer Mick Fleetwood’s marriage with Jenny Boyd was falling apart. Despite these complications, the band decided to stick together. They used their personal struggles as fuel for the creative process of writing songs.
As expected, the recording sessions of Rumours were filled with irritation and conflicts. Stevie Nicks, for instance, was furious when Buckingham introduced “Go Your Own Way” to the band. The song portrayed Buckingham’s perspective on the break between him and Nicks. In response, Nicks wrote “Dreams”.
“It was the fairy and the gnome. I was trying to be all philosophical. And he was just mad.”
Stevie Nicks in Q Magazine
Nicks wrote “Dreams” at the Record Plant studio in Sausalito, California, where Fleetwood Mac recorded Rumours. Withdrawn from the main studio, Nicks found an empty room with a piano and a small keyboard. Isolated from the rest of the band, she quickly wrote the song. Nicks later presented the raw work to the rest of the group, who helped arrange and refine it.
I sat down on the bed with my keyboard in front of me. I found a drum pattern, switched my little cassette player on and wrote ‘Dreams’ in about 10 minutes.
Stevie Nicks in Blender
“Dreams” was eventually released as the second single of Rumours. It became the band’s first and only number-one hit on the US Billboard Hot 100, and reached number 24 on the UK Singles Chart.
The Meaning of Dreams
Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams” is about Stevie Nicks’ breakup with band member Lindsey Buckingham. The song explores the emotions that occur with an ending relationship.
The opening verse of “Dreams” sets the tone for the song, with Nicks addressing Buckingham’s need for freedom. Nicks encourages Buckinham to follow his feelings, but also warns him of the loneliness that may come with it.
The chorus is the most memorable part of the song. The line, “Players only love you when they’re playing”, is a direct dig at Buckingham. They suggest Buckingham is only interested in Nicks when it’s convenient to him. But Nicks is convinced Buckingham will regret his actions one day.
In the second verse, Nicks expresses her own feelings and desires. Nicks reveals she still struggles with attachment to Buckingham, but also knows he won’t listen to her.
Read more: The 10 Best Fleetwood Mac Songs of All Time
Overall, the lyrics of “Dreams” are a powerful expression of the complex emotions that can accompany the end of a relationship.
The Song’s Legacy
As said earlier, “Dreams” had significant success on the charts. It reached number 1 on the US Billboard Hot 100, and number 24 on the UK Singles Chart.
In recent years, “Dreams” experienced a resurgence in popularity due to a viral TikTok video in 2020, when a user named Nathan Apodaca, posted a video of himself skateboarding while drinking cranberry juice and lip-syncing to the song. “Dreams” experienced a massive boost in popularity and re-entered the US Charts. The viral video even led to the original band members, including Mick Fleetwood and Stevie Nicks, creating their own versions of the clip.
Overall, “Dreams” has a lasting impact on popular culture. It remains one of Fleetwood Mac’s most popular songs and continues to resonate with listeners to this day.
Interested in more stories behind Fleetwood Mac songs? Click here
