Her first album, Abbey Lincoln's Affair, A Story of a Girl in Love was released in 1956. Also that year Lincoln starred in the film The Girl Can't Help It, for which she famously wore a dress worn by Marilyn Monroe.
Lincoln sang on the 1960s landmark jazz civil rights recording, We Insist! - Freedom Now Suite in 1960 by jazz musician and Lincolns husband from 1962-1970, Max Roach. Especially since this album, Abbey Lincoln was connected to the political fight against racism in the United States.
She co-starred with Sidney Poitier and Beau Bridges in 1968's For Love of Ivy and received a 1969 Golden Globe nomination for her appearance in the film. She also starred in the 1990 Spike Lee movie Mo' Better Blues.
In 2003, she received the National Endowment for the Arts NEA Jazz Masters Award.
Lincoln died on August 14, 2010 in Manhattan at the age of 80. Although no official cause of death was given, Lincoln had suffered deteriorating health following open heart surgery in 2007. She passed away in a Manhattan nursing home.
Street of Dreams
Abbey Lincoln Lyrics
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Come on and trade in your old dreams for new
Your new dreams for old
I know where they're bought
I know where they're sold
Midnight, you've got to get there at midnight
And you'll be met there by others like you
Brothers as blue
Love laughs at a king
Kings don't mean a thing
On the street of dreams
Dreams broken in two can be made like new
On the street of dreams
Gold, sliver and gold
All you can hold is in the moonbeams
Poor, no one is poor
Long as love is sure
On the street of dreams
Midnight, look at the steeple, it's midnight
Unhappy people, it's ringing with joy
It's ringing with cheer
'Cause yesterday's gone
Tomorrow is near
Midnight, the heart is lighter at midnight
Things will be brighter the moment you find
More of your kind
Smiling on the street of dreams
Love laughs at a king
Kings don't mean a thing
On the street of dreams
Dreams broken in two can be made like new
On the street of dreams
Gold, sliver and gold
All you can hold is in the moonbeams
Poor, no one is poor
Long as love is sure
On the street of dreams
The song Street of Dreams by Abbey Lincoln is a metaphorical journey through life's hardships and struggles. The setting is midnight, a time when people are burdened with their old dreams and looking to trade them in for new ones. The street of dreams is where people can come to find a new sense of purpose and hope. The first verse describes the journey towards the street of dreams, where the singer promises to meet others who are just as lost and searching as they are. The second verse focuses more on the idea of love and its power to mend broken dreams. The lyric "love laughs at a king, kings don't mean a thing" sums up the idea that romantic love can conquer all, regardless of social status or power.
The chorus repeats the phrase "on the street of dreams" as a reminder that hope and happiness can be found there. The moonbeams mentioned in the lyrics symbolize the infinite possibilities of the night, while the steeple represents the idea of hope and guidance. The song is ultimately a message of hope and resilience, suggesting that no matter how difficult life may seem, there is always the possibility of renewal and a brighter future.
Line by Line Meaning
Midnight, you heavy laden, it's midnight
It's late at night and you feel overwhelmed by your troubles and worries.
Come on and trade in your old dreams for new
Let go of your old aspirations and hopes and seek new ones.
Your new dreams for old
Be willing to let go of newly formed aspirations and pursue previously abandoned ones.
I know where they're bought
I know where you can find hopes and dreams.
I know where they're sold
I know where you can let go of old aspirations and find new ones.
Midnight, you've got to get there at midnight
You need to arrive at the place where dreams are found and replaced at the darkest hour, midnight.
And you'll be met there by others like you
You will find people who are also struggling and seeking their dreams at this place.
Brothers as blue
Companions feeling sad and gloomy will be there with you.
Smiling on the street of dreams
The street where passions and hopes are found brings joy to people's faces.
Love laughs at a king
The power of love and affection is far greater than mere wealth and authority.
Kings don't mean a thing
Having power or being rich and famous doesn't contribute to achieving true aspirations and hopes.
Dreams broken in two can be made like new
Although dreams may fall apart or break, they can always be mended and rejuvenated.
Gold, silver and gold
All the material possessions and riches are like nothing compared to the joy that true passions and dreams could bring.
All you can hold is in the moonbeams
Everything you could treasure and hold on to is in moonbeams, which symbolizes the beauty, light, and mystery of the world.
Poor, no one is poor
Even if you have little or nothing, true love can make you feel rich and happy.
Long as love is sure
As long as you have complete trust and confidence in love, you will always feel content and fulfilled.
Midnight, look at the steeple, it's midnight
The late hour of midnight is a time to look up to the roof of the church, the steeple, to find peacefulness and tranquility.
Unhappy people, it's ringing with joy
Although some may be feeling unhappy or down, the church bell is still ringing with joy and positivity.
It's ringing with cheer
The church bell symbolizes hope and happiness, filling people's hearts with joy and optimism.
'Cause yesterday's gone
Since yesterday is history, there's no point dwelling on it and letting it drag you down.
Tomorrow is near
The future is close, and it's a chance to look ahead and hope for better days.
Midnight, the heart is lighter at midnight
At midnight, the weight on your heart seems to ease off, making you feel lighter and more positive.
Things will be brighter the moment you find
Once you find your true aspirations and hopes, everything will appear more vibrant and positive.
More of your kind
When you find people who share the same ambitions as you, it becomes easier to pursue them.
Smiling on the street of dreams
A place where hopes and dreams converge means that people will always have reasons to smile and remain hopeful.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Royalty Network, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Sam Lewis, Victor Young
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind