Mr. Dream Merchant
Jerry Butler Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Everything depends on you
Oh, hey, Mr. Dream Merchant
Bring her back to me
And make my dreams come true
When I said goodbye
To my love
I didn't mean to make her cry
I didn't realise that I had love
Now I need her by my side
Oh, hey, Mr. Dream Merchant
Everything depends on you
Oh, hey, Mr. Dream Merchant
Bring her back to me
And make my dreams come true
You should have told this fool
To stop it
You should have made this blind man see
I got my pride back in my pocket
Won't you bring him back to me?
Oh, hey, Mr. Dream Merchant
Everything depends on you
Oh, hey, Mr. Dream Merchant
Can't you make her see
We need each other?
I'm no good alone
I really really, really love her
Bring him back to me
And make my dreams come true
Oh, hey, Mr. Dream Merchant
Can't you make her see
We need each other?
I'm no good alone
I really, really love her
Bring her back to me
And make my dreams come true
The song "Mr. Dream Merchant" by Jerry Butler is a pleading ballad about a man who regrets breaking up with his love interest and wishes to get back with her. The central theme of the song revolves around the concept of dreams and how they are in the hands of the elusive "Mr. Dream Merchant." The singer implores this figurative character to bring his former partner back into his life and make his dreams of love a reality.
The singer of the song initially comes across as regretful about his past actions. He states that he did not mean to hurt his love interest and was not aware of the depth of his feelings for her. He now hopes that the Dream Merchant can rectify his mistake and bring her back to him. In the second verse, he is more assertive and refers to himself as a "fool" and a "blind man," acknowledging his own shortcomings. He is now open about his love and longing for his significant other, requesting the Dream Merchant to make her see that they need each other.
The song's lyrics showcase the vulnerability and uncertainty of relationships, where even the most assured individuals can make mistakes and harbor regrets. The use of dream-like imagery and an unnamed mystical character adds to the song's wistful and otherworldly quality.
Line by Line Meaning
Hey, Mr. Dream Merchant
The singer addresses the Dream Merchant, emphasizing his importance in fulfilling the singer's desires.
Everything depends on you
The singer emphasizes their complete dependence on the Dream Merchant in making their desires a reality.
Bring her back to me
The singer requests that the Dream Merchant restore an important person to their life.
And make my dreams come true
The artist hopes that the Dream Merchant can fulfill their deepest desires and make them a reality.
When I said goodbye
The artist reflects on a past action and its consequences.
To my love
The singer is referring to someone they were in a romantic relationship with.
I didn't mean to make her cry
The singer expresses regret for causing pain to their former partner.
I didn't realize that I had love
The artist acknowledges their previous lack of awareness regarding their feelings for their former partner.
Now I need her by my side
The artist recognizes their current desire to be with their former partner.
You should have told this fool
The artist addresses the Dream Merchant, expressing their belief that the Dream Merchant could have prevented the situation that led to their current predicament.
To stop it
The singer elaborates on the previous line, indicating that they wish the Dream Merchant could have prevented them from taking actions that led to their current situation.
You should have made this blind man see
The artist once again addresses the Dream Merchant, expressing their belief that the Dream Merchant could have helped them avoid their current situation if they were more insightful.
I got my pride back in my pocket
The singer expresses that they have regained some semblance of control and pride.
Won't you bring him back to me?
The singer reiterates their desire for the Dream Merchant to bring their former partner back into their life.
Can't you make her see
The singer once again addresses the Dream Merchant, asking if they have the power to change their former partner's perspective.
We need each other?
The artist prompts the Dream Merchant to consider whether the artist and their former partner truly need one another.
I'm no good alone
The artist acknowledges their dependence on their former partner.
I really really, really love her
The singer emphasizes the depth of their feelings for their former partner.
Bring her back to me
The singer restates their desire for the Dream Merchant to bring their former partner back.
And make my dreams come true
The artist once again expresses their hope that the Dream Merchant can fulfill their deepest desires.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JERRY ROSS, LAURENCE WEISS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Rico T
Superb. They don't make records like this anymore. Brilliant.
James Carter
One of a kind,
John Fugazzi
There was only one Jerry Butler, and he was the master of smooth. His voice just takes you away. And what a production! This extravaganza of strings and voices was so ahead of its time. It sounds like the early 70's with the sound of the Delfonics, Stylistics, etc. But it was a hit in late 1967, right when Dionne Warwick was making it big with I Say a Little Prayer.
Bobbie Askren
Jerry has such a rich voice !! He's one of my new favorites !! Thanks for Posting !!
Lynn McKeown
He was always one of my favourites. Just love his voice, so smooth, with such feeling. love him.
Ruby
While on stage Jerry didn't flinch, he stood and just sang, the audience is talking and walking around while he's on stage, he did his show. The Ice Man. I saw first hand because I am from Chicago and traveled with him on tour, All he did was sing, and when there was a crowd and the press, he drew a line and no one was unruly or rude, and no one crossed the line. E. Rodney Jones from radio station W.V.O.N, gave him the name.
goinxnginx
At our frat parties, when this one played, usually around midnight, the slow dancing got major serious. What magic moments. My girl and I would glide all over the floor, spin, laugh, sigh, sing along, look into each others eyes, smile, kiss, and, well, just enjoy living. There is absolutely nothing greater in life than falling in love, and anyone knows that you just can't really fall completely in love without slow dancing. Thanks for posting this great song.
Rick Jones
This is my favorite Jerry Butler...and one of his lest remembered songs. Damn this is good, good, good for the soul.
A Publick Domain
Yeah, most people think New Birth did this first. Jerry had some bad luck when it came to having it out first, but a later artist got the credit.
snoops71
Grew up with this song! My Mom had one of his greatest hits albums, and this song was on it. So-ooo very sweet to hear again :)