Christine Lavin (b. January 2, 1952) is a New York City-based singer, songw… Read Full Bio ↴Christine Lavin (b. January 2, 1952) is a New York City-based singer, songwriter, and promoter of contemporary folk music. She has recorded numerous solo albums, and has also recorded with other female folk artists under the name Four Bitchin' Babes. She has also put together several compilation albums of contemporary folk artists, including On a Winter's Night.

She is known for her sense of humor, which is expressed in both her music and her onstage performances. Many of her songs alternate between emotional reflections on romance and outright comedy. Two of her more famous songs include "Sensitive New Age Guys" and "Bald Headed Men".

All I Have to Do Is Dream/A Summer Song
Christine Lavin Lyrics

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When I want you in my arms
When I want you and all your charms
Whenever I want you
All I have to do
Is Dream... Dream Dream Dream

When I feel blue
In the night

When I need you
To hold me tight
Whenever I want you
All I have to do
Is Dream... Dream Dream Dream

Of trees
Swayin' in the summer breeze
Showin' off the silver leaves
As we waltz by
Soft kisses on a summers day
Laughin' all our cares away
Just you and I

I can make you mine
Taste your lips of wine
Any time, night or day
Only trouble is
Gee Whiz
I'm dreamin' my life away

Oh I need you so
That I could die
I love you so
And that is why
Whenever I want you
All I have to do
Is Dream... Dream Dream Dream
Dream

I can make you mine
Taste your lips of wine
Any time, night or day
Only trouble is
Gee Whiz
I'm dreamin' my life away

And when the rain
Beats against my window pane
I think of summer days again
And Dream of you
And Dream of you
And Dream of you
And Dream of you
(Mr Sandman, send me a dream)
And Dream of you
(Mr Sandman, send me a dream)

And Dream of you
(Mr Sandman, send me a dream)

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Christine Lavin's "All I Have to Do Is Dream/A Summer Song" are a beautiful expression of longing and yearning for a loved one. The singer conveys a deep desire to be with their beloved, emphasizing the simplicity of being able to dream about them to feel close. The repetition of the phrase "All I have to do is dream" underscores the power of imagination and memory in soothing their loneliness and bringing comfort.

The mention of feeling blue and needing the loved one to hold them tight at night reveals a vulnerable side to the singer, highlighting their emotional dependence on the presence and support of their partner. The act of dreaming about the loved one serves as a way to escape the darkness and find solace in imaginary moments of togetherness. The imagery of trees swaying in the summer breeze evokes a sense of tranquility and nostalgia, emphasizing the beauty of simple pleasures shared with a loved one.

The lyrics also touch on the sensory experiences of love, such as tasting the lips of wine and feeling the soft kisses on a summer day. These details create a vivid picture of an idyllic romance, where laughter and carefree moments are shared between two people deeply in love. However, the repeated refrain of "Gee Whiz, I'm dreamin' my life away" hints at a bittersweet realization that the singer's reality might not always align with their dreams, suggesting a longing for a more tangible connection with their loved one.

The mention of rain beating against the window pane and the singer's thoughts drifting to summer days once again further emphasizes the cyclical nature of longing and dreaming. The repetition of the phrase "And Dream of you" at the end conveys a sense of endless yearning and a longing for the return of a lost love. The inclusion of "Mr. Sandman, send me a dream" adds a whimsical touch, perhaps hinting at a wishful plea for the comfort of dreams to bring solace during moments of loneliness. Overall, the lyrics of the song capture the complex emotions of love, longing, and the power of imagination in finding solace and connection with a distant loved one.

Line by Line Meaning

When I want you in my arms
The desire to be close to someone I care about

When I want you and all your charms
When I crave your unique and special qualities

Whenever I want you
Every time I yearn for your presence

All I have to do
The simple act I need to perform

Is Dream... Dream Dream Dream
Is to imagine and wish for something pleasant and fulfilling

When I feel blue
When I am feeling sad or down

In the night
During the evening or dark hours

When I need you
When I depend on your support or presence

To hold me tight
To embrace me closely and comfortingly

Of trees
Delightful vision of nature's greenery

Swayin' in the summer breeze
Moving gently in the warm breeze of summer