Dream Of A Child
Burton Cummings Lyrics

When I was a boy I dreamed of Phillip Marlowe
As a child, Burton Cummings had a dream of being involved in the detective work like Phillip Marlowe.

He took me as his partner took me as his friend
In his dream, Phillip Marlowe accepted Burton as his partner and as a friend.

Gave me his fedora gave me shotgun fever
Phillip Marlowe gave Burton his prized fedora and they worked together to handle situations like having 'shotgun fever' due to being involved with dangerous individuals.

Took me as his partner to the end
Burton felt like Phillip always had his back, and would trust him until the end.

When I was a boy I dreamed I was a jeweler
In another dream, Burton was the owner of a successful family jewelry business that he had inherited.

With a family business that was free and clear
His family's jewelry business had no financial limitations, which meant that Burton could run the business seamlessly and efficiently.

Selling golden earrings to Mrs Mickey Mantle
Burton's jewelry business was so successful that he could sell high-end products to famous people such as Mrs. Mickey Mantle.

Trying to be gentle while I stuck it in her ear
Burton wanted to make sure that customers such as Mrs. Mickey Mantle, who he had to pierce ears for using earrings, did not feel any pain during the process.

The dream of a child, the song of a man
Both the dreams of an innocent child and the experienced expressions of the grown-up Burton, who is now a songwriter, have found their way into this song.

The key and the time are at his command
Burton has now gained total control over his songwriting, whereby he can create music whichever way he likes with the appropriate rhythm.

When I was a boy I dreamed I saved my sister
As a child, Burton dreamed that he was the hero who rescued his sister from danger.

From the Rosicrucians for the love of God
Burton's sister was kidnapped by the Rosicrucians (a secret society), and he would do anything to rescue her.

I threw myself among them slaughtering their numbers
With incredible bravery and might, Burton threw himself into the fight, earning him the moniker, 'the rescuer.'

Striking at their laughter crying so hard
Burton could hear the Rosicrucians mocking his efforts to rescue his sister. His frustration and helplessness caused him to cry out in anguish.

When I was a boy I dreamed that Elvis Presley
As a young boy, Burton had a great admiration for the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley.

Was standing on the corner kissing Brenda Lee
In his dream, Burton saw Elvis Presley being intimate with the woman he loved, Brenda Lee.

Mama always told me love was made in Heaven
Burton's mother taught him that love is a sacred and divine feeling that is created in heaven.

Tell me how my best friend could steal my love from me
Burton's dream is shattered when he realizes that his best friend has betrayed their friendship and stolen his girl, Brenda Lee. He cannot understand how this could happen.

I love Brenda Lee - Brenda Lee loves me
Burton still holds a deep affection for Brenda Lee, but she is no longer in love with him.