“I Have a Dream” is a song by the Swedish pop group ABBA. It came out in December 1979 as their sixth and final single from the album “Voulez-Vous.” Anni-Frid Lyngstad was the lead singer. It was a big hit, reaching the top of the charts in many countries and hitting No. 2 in the UK during Christmas week in 1979.
The song’s lyrics are filled with hope and optimism, expressing a belief in the power of dreams and the existence of angels to guide and support us through life’s challenges.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what the lyrics mean.
“I Have a Dream” Lyrics Meaning
Verse 1
I have a dream, a song to sing
To help me cope with anything
If you see the wonder of a fairy tale
You can take the future, even if you fail
Verse 1 expresses the singer’s desire for a dream or a song that can provide comfort in difficult times. She suggests that believing in the wonder of a fairy tale can give her hope for the future, even if she faces failure. It conveys the idea that having a positive outlook and believing in something magical can help her overcome challenges.
Chorus
I believe in angels
Something good in everything I see
I believe in angels
When I know the time is right for me
I’ll cross the stream
I have a dream
The Chorus conveys the singer’s belief in angels and her ability to find something good in everything she sees. It expresses the idea that when the right time comes, she will have the courage to pursue her dreams and overcome obstacles, symbolized by crossing a stream.
Verse 2
I have a dream, a fantasy
To help me through reality
And my destination makes it worth the while
Pushing through the darkness; still another mile
Verse 2 describes the singer’s dream as a fantasy that helps her deal with the challenges of reality. She finds value in her journey because it leads her toward her desired destination, even if it means pushing through darkness and enduring hardships along the way.
Deeper Meaning Behind “I Have a Dream”
ABBA’s song “I Have a Dream” explores the enduring power of dreams in reaching our desired destination. The lyrics praise our dreams as sources of strength and motivation that guide us through obstacles.
Throughout the song, the singer expresses the need for a dream to help us face life’s challenges. The line “If you see the wonder of a fairy tale, You can take the future, even if you fail” suggests that dreams are similar to fairy tales in that they both possess a magical and wondrous quality.
The singer believes that her fantasy can help her through reality because fantasies, dreams, and imagination have the power to provide emotional strength, resilience, and motivation in the face of life’s challenges.
When faced with the difficulties and hardships of reality, turning to the fantasy world usually allows us to momentarily escape from the harshness of life. It provides a mental and emotional refuge where we can find solace and motivation.
However, the singer doesn’t encourage us to pursue our dreams blindly. In the line “When I know the time is right for me, I’ll cross the stream,” she suggests that we have to wait for the opportune moment to take action.
Overall, this classic track not only uplifts and inspires but also prompts deep reflections on life’s mysteries and the potential for a brighter future beyond the present.
Covers
Cristy Lane’s Version
In 1980, American artist Cristy Lane, known for songs like “Let Me Down Easy” and “Penny Arcade,” covered ABBA’s “I Have a Dream.”
After her religious hit “One Day at a Time” became a chart-topper, Lane released her version of “I Have a Dream,” produced by Jerry Gillespie. It became her final top 20 hit on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, reaching number 17, and also charted at number 34 in New Zealand.
Westlife Version
In 1999, the Irish boy band Westlife released their version of ABBA’s “I Have a Dream.” It became the UK’s Christmas number one single, surpassing Cliff Richard’s “The Millennium Prayer.” The song, also featured on their 2000 album “Coast to Coast,” stayed on the charts for 17 weeks and ranked as the 26th best-selling single in the UK for 1999.
In 2001, they re-recorded it for a UNICEF fundraiser with Indonesian child singer Sinna Sherina Munaf. This rendition earned Platinum certification in the UK, selling over 707,000 copies across various formats, making it the band’s second-best-selling single.
Westlife’s cover of “I Have a Dream” remains a beloved holiday classic and a significant part of their music catalog, solidifying its position as a UK Christmas chart-topper.
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