The Genesis of a Rock Anthem: Dream On
Dream On by Aerosmith, a song that resonates with generations, is not just a musical piece but a narrative of life’s ephemeral nature. The lead singer of Aerosmith, Steven Tyler, who was only 17 at the time, crafted this masterpiece, embedding his youthful reflections and profound realisations into the lyrics. The song, off their first LP, stands tall among early hits like Walk This Way and Sweet Emotion.
Aerosmith: A Band of Rebels and Rockers
Aerosmith is an American rock band that emerged in the early 1970s, influenced by the blues, hard rock, and heavy metal genres. The band consists of Steven Tyler (lead vocals), Joe Perry (lead guitar), Brad Whitford (rhythm guitar), Tom Hamilton (bass), and Joey Kramer (drums). Aerosmith is known for their rebellious attitude, energetic performances, and catchy songs that often deal with themes such as love, sex, drugs, and rock and roll. Aerosmith has sold over 150 million records worldwide, making them one of the best-selling bands of all time. They have also won four Grammy Awards, six American Music Awards, and ten MTV Video Music Awards. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001.
The Early Stirrings of a Classic
The inception of Dream On traces back to Tyler’s teenage years. He began composing it on his father’s Estey upright organ, a process that culminated in the basement of their early 1970s residence. Tyler’s connection to music was deep-rooted, influenced by the sounds he absorbed while lying under his father’s piano. This early exposure to music’s intricacies played a pivotal role in shaping the “chordage” of Dream On.
Chart Success and Resurgence
Originally released in 1973, Dream On initially charted at #59 on the Billboard Hot 100. However, its regional success in New England was more pronounced. The song’s re-release in 1976, following the top 40 triumph of Sweet Emotion, propelled Dream On to #6, marking a significant milestone in Aerosmith’s career. The song also reached #1 on the Cash Box Top 100 and #25 on the UK Singles Chart. The song has since been certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for selling over one million copies in the US.
The Essence of Dream On Lyrics
Dream On is a poignant reflection on ageing and the relentless passage of time. Its lyrics emphasise living life to the fullest, acknowledging the uncontrollable nature of time and our existence’s fragility under the watchful eye of the “good Lord.”
The Lyrics: A Mirror to Life’s Journey
The lyrics of Dream On are a tapestry of life’s experiences. From the opening lines, “Every time that I look in the mirror, all these lines on my face getting clearer,” Tyler conveys the inevitable march of time and its impact on our physical being. The song progresses through introspective verses and powerful choruses, culminating in the iconic bridge, “Dream on, dream on, dream on, Dream until your dreams come true.”
The song’s message is to pursue your dreams and aspirations, no matter how hard or impossible they may seem. Tyler urges the listener to “sing with me, sing for the year, sing for the laughter, and sing for the tear,” implying that life is a mixture of joy and sorrow and that music can be a source of comfort and expression. He also warns the listener to “sing with me; it’s just for today, Maybe tomorrow the good Lord will take you away,” suggesting that life is unpredictable and short and that we should make the most of every moment.
The song’s bridge is a repetition of the phrase “Dream on,” followed by the line “Dream until your dreams come true.” This is a metaphor for the persistence and determination that one needs to achieve their goals and fulfil their potential. The song’s bridge also features Tyler’s signature high-pitched scream, which is a vocal technique that he learned from listening to soul singers like James Brown and Aretha Franklin. The scream is a symbol of Tyler’s passion and emotion, as well as a way of expressing his frustration and defiance.
A Song’s Evolution: From Piano to Rock Symphony
Tyler’s creative process for Dream On was a blend of inspiration and musical prowess. He initially composed the music on an Estey pump organ, later transposing it to guitar with bandmates Joe Perry and Brad Whitford. This collaboration transformed a simple melody into a rock anthem characterised by its dynamic structure, blending hard rock and blues rock elements.
The song’s structure consists of an intro, four verses, four choruses, a bridge, and an outro. The intro is a piano solo that sets the mood and tone of the song. The verses are sung by Tyler in a low register, accompanied by a soft guitar and bass. However, the choruses are sung by Tyler in a higher register, with a louder and heavier guitar and bass. While the bridge is a vocal solo by Tyler, with a soaring guitar and drum. The outro is a repetition of the intro, fading out gradually.
The song’s instrumentation is mainly composed of piano, guitar, bass, and drums. The piano is played by Tyler, who learned to play the instrument from his father, a classical pianist. The guitar is played by Perry and Whitford, who used Gibson Les Paul and Fender Stratocaster models, respectively. The bass is played by Hamilton, who used a Fender Jazz Bass. The drums are played by Kramer, who used a Ludwig drum kit. The song also features a string section, arranged by David Woodford, who played saxophone on Aerosmith’s debut album.
Dream On in Popular Culture
Dream On has transcended its era, influencing artists across genres. In 2003, Eminem famously interpolated it in his song Sing For The Moment, with Joe Perry contributing a guitar solo. This crossover highlights the song’s enduring appeal and its ability to resonate across different musical landscapes. The song has also been covered by many artists, such as Ronnie James Dio, Tori Amos, Kelly Sweet, and Postmodern Jukebox. The song has also been featured in various movies, TV shows, video games, and commercials, such as Wayne’s World, The Simpsons, Guitar Hero: Aerosmith, and Miracle.
The Legacy of Dream On
Dream On remains a cornerstone in Aerosmith’s discography and a classic rock anthem. Its lyrics, imbued with introspection and a call to embrace life, continue to inspire and resonate with audiences worldwide. The song’s journey from a teenager’s musings to a rock classic is a testament to Aerosmith’s musical genius and the timeless appeal of Dream On. As Tyler once said, Dream On is “about the hunger to be somebody: Dream until your dreams come true.
Aerosmith Dream On Lyrics
Verse 1
Every time that I look in the mirror
All these lines on my face getting clearer
The past is gone
It went by like dusk to dawn
Isn’t that the way?
Everybody’s got their dues in life to pay, yeah
Interlude
I know nobody knows
Where it comes and where it goes
I know it’s everybody’s sin
You got to lose to know how to win
Verse 2
Half my life’s in books’ written pages
Lived and learned from fools and from sages
You know it’s true
All the feelings come back to you
Chorus
Sing with me, sing for the year
Sing for the laughter and sing for the tear
Sing with me, if it’s just for today
Maybe tomorrow, the good Lord will take you away
Chorus
Sing with me, sing for the year
Sing for the laughter and sing for the tear
Sing with me, if it’s just for today
Maybe tomorrow, the good Lord will take you away
Bridge
Dream on, dream on, dream on
Dream until your dreams come true
Dream on, dream on, dream on
Dream until your dreams come true
Dream on, dream on
Dream on, dream on
Dream on, dream on
Dream on, ah!
Chorus
Sing with me, sing for the year
Sing for the laughter and sing for the tear
Sing with me, if it’s just for today
Maybe tomorrow, the good Lord will take you away
Sing with me, sing for the year
Sing for the laughter and sing for the tear
Sing with me, if it’s just for today
Maybe tomorrow, the good Lord will take you away
