I Can Dream Can't I?
The Andrews Sisters Lyrics
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I can see
No matter how near you'll be
You'll never belong to me
But I can dream, can't I?
Can't I pretend that I'm locked
In the bend of your embrace?
For dreams are just like wine
And I am drunk with mine
I'm aware
My heart is a sad affair
There's much disillusion there
But I can dream, can't I?
Can't I adore you
Although we are oceans apart?
I can't make you open your heart
But I can dream, can't I?
I'm aware
My heart is a sad affair
There's much disillusion there
But I can dream, can't I?
Can't I adore you
Although we are oceans apart?
I can't make you open your heart
But I can dream, can't I?
(Dream on, dream on, dream on)
I can dream, can't I?
The Andrews Sisters' song "I Can Dream Can't I?" is a heart-wrenching ballad about unrequited love. The singer acknowledges that no matter how close the object of her affection may be, she will never truly belong to them. Despite this fact, she finds solace in her dreams, fantasizing about being locked in their embrace. The singer compares her dreams to wine, implying that they intoxicate her, providing her with a kind of psychic release.
The verses are set to a slow, mournful melody, perfectly conveying the profound sadness of the lyrics. The chorus, "I can dream can't I?" is sung with urgency and yearning, imploring the listener to understand her emotional pain. The song's climax comes in the final verse where the singer admits that her heart is a "sad affair," filled with disillusionment, yet she still clings to the hope of one day winning the love of the person she so desperately desires.
Overall, the song is a powerful meditation on lost love and the human capacity for hope and resilience in the face of heartbreak.
Line by Line Meaning
I can see
I understand clearly
No matter how near you'll be you'll never belong to me
Even if you are physically close to me, we will never truly have a relationship
But I can dream, can't I?
But I can imagine and hope, can't I?
Can't I pretend that I'm locked in the bend of your embrace?
Can't I imagine that I am in your loving arms?
For dreams are just like wine
Dreams have the ability to intoxicate us
And I am drunk with mine
I am completely consumed by my dreams
I'm aware
I understand
My heart is a sad affair
My heart is full of sadness
There's much disillusion there
I am disappointed with reality
But I can dream, can't I?
But I can still dream and hope, can't I?
Can't I adore you
Can't I love you deeply
Although we are oceans apart?
Even though there is a great distance between us
I can't make you open your heart
I cannot force you to love me back
But I can dream, can't I?
But I can still imagine and hope, can't I?
I can dream, can't I?
I can still dream and hope, can't I?
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Irving Kahal, Sammy Fain
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@anandadevi6400
I first heard this as a child of 7 or 8 when my Nana played her records from the day. Born in 1922, the 40's were her time and, mainly raised by her, I was blessed to grow up on the music and films from then. I grew up and became a Vocalist, and have been so lucky to perform these songs anew. Even as I listen to this now, I hear and feel the longing...that was WWII. Thank you for posting this and, God Bless The Andrew Sisters, (and Doris Day). ❤
@TheDiannel
My parents always played the Andrew sisters 78s. growing up in the late 40s was wonderful listening to their music.
@jeffreyberkin-ez3uh
One of their best.
@geraldthorburn1123
Though born in the 40's I have come to appreciate the immensity of the popularity of The Andrews Sisters. Unique fusions of harmonies. Thank you, Prof.
@paulmitchell359
This is a perfect song.
@paulmitchell359
I heard this song only by chance on a ( … discounted at $5) ... 'best of The Andrews Sisters CD' ... and this truly is the best song they ever recorded. The production is absolutely superb. This is how songs should always sound like ....
@lisamontefiore3047
One of my favourite oldies by the Andrew sisters.
@davidtodora6173
That’s about my life now. But I dream, can’t I?
@TheCadillacCimarronSucks
Beautifully Haunting.
@davidtodora6173
Lovely. My favorite By Fain & Kahal song by Gordon Jenkins Orchestra with Vocal Chorus Amazing 🤩