McKenna began his career with the Boots Mussulli Band and then the Charlie Ventura band, followed by a stint with Woody Herman. After two years in the army, he returned to Charlie Ventura's band, then worked with Gene Krupa, Stan Getz, and Zoot Sims and Al Cohn. He often worked with Bobby Hackett, including some gigs at Eddie Condon's in Manhattan, playing what Hackett called "Whiskeyland Jazz." McKenna cited Nat King Cole as his biggest influence.
After moving to Cape Cod in 1966, McKenna began an extensive solo piano recording career, first with ABC Records, then Chiaroscuro Records in the 70s for and finally for Concord Jazz where he remained until he retired due to illness. McKenna died on October 18, 2008.
More information can be found on www.aahome.com/dave/.
Street of Dreams
Dave Mckenna Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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 Dave McKenna is an uplifting and hopeful piece that encourages people to leave their old dreams behind and embrace new ones. The song is written in the perspective of someone addressing the listener directly, telling them that midnight is the perfect time to trade in their old dreams for new ones. The song goes on to describe the street of dreams, a metaphor for a place where anything is possible and hope is abundant.
The chorus, "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, silver 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," suggests that on the street of dreams, anything is possible and love is the key to happiness. The song draws on common themes of hope, love, and perseverance, promoting the idea that with a little bit of hope and determination, anything can be achieved.
Line by Line Meaning
Midnight, you heavy laden, it's midnight
It's late at night and you feel burdened by your troubles.
Come on and trade in your old dreams for new
Let go of your old hopes and aspirations and embrace new ones.
Your new dreams for old
Exchange your new goals for your old ones if they no longer serve you.
I know where they're bought
I can tell you where to find new dreams and endeavors.
I know where they're sold
I can tell you where to get rid of old dreams and desires.
Midnight, you've got to get there at midnight
You need to arrive at the place to buy and sell dreams at midnight.
And you'll be met there by others like you
You'll see other people in the same situation as you when you get there.
Brothers as blue
People who feel as down and stuck as you.
Smiling on the street of dreams
Happy because they found new aspirations.
Love laughs at a king
Even someone in a position of power can be humbled by love.
Kings don't mean a thing
Status doesn't guarantee happiness or fulfillment.
Dreams broken in two can be made like new
Even if your dreams were previously shattered, it's possible to repair them.
Gold, sliver and gold
Everything valuable is found under the guise of the mystical and ethereal moonbeams.
All you can hold is in the moonbeams
The moonbeams are a metaphor for the abundance of life's treasures.
Poor, no one is poor
You are not poor if you have love and a sense of emotional fulfillment.
Long as love is sure
As long as you have love, you are rich and can be fulfilled.
Midnight, look at the steeple, it's midnight
The artist is reminding you that it's midnight.
Unhappy people, it's ringing with joy
Even unhappy people can be happy with a change in perspective and attitude.
It's ringing with cheer
The bell is symbolizing the positivity and energy of newfound hope and optimism.
'Cause yesterday's gone
The past is over and done with, move on.
Tomorrow is near
New possibilities and opportunities are just around the corner.
Midnight, the heart is lighter at midnight
Late at night, things can feel lighter and more easily manageable.
Things will be brighter the moment you find
Hope and positivity will return once you find new aspirations and goals.
More of your kind
You'll meet more people who share the same ambitions and goals.
Smiling on the street of dreams
Happy and content with their new aims and aspirations.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: RICHARD LEWIS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind