Darn That Dream
Mildred Bailey Lyrics


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Darn that dream I dream each night
You say you love me and you hold me tight
But when I awake, you're out of sight
Oh, darn that dream

Darn your lips and darn your eyes
They lift me high above the moonlit skies
Then I tumble out of paradise
Oh, darn that dream

Darn that one-track mind of mine
I can't understand that you don't care
Just to change the mood I'm in
I'd welcome a nice old nightmare

Darn that dream and bless it too
Without that dream, I never would have you




But it haunts me and it won't come true
Oh, darn that dream

Overall Meaning

The song "Darn That Dream" by Mildred Bailey explores the bittersweet experience of being trapped in a romantic dream that can never come true. The dreamer is in love with someone who seems to reciprocate their feelings while they are sleeping, but disappears when morning comes. The singer repeats the phrase "darn that dream" throughout the song, expressing both frustration and acknowledgment that without this dream, she might never have found love at all. The lyrics also suggest that the singer is willing to accept an alternative reality, even a nightmare, if it would help her move on from the unfulfilled fantasy.


As the song progresses, the dreamer grows increasingly critical of herself, blaming her "one-track mind" for not being able to move on from this unrequited love. She longs for something that will jolt her out of this pattern of fixation, but ultimately concludes that both the dream and the lack of fulfillment it represents are necessary parts of her existence. This final line, "Oh, darn that dream and bless it too / Without that dream, I never would have you", captures the paradoxical nature of the dream: it brings both joy and pain, but ultimately led the dreamer to the person she loves.


Overall, "Darn That Dream" is a poignant reflection on the complexities of love and longing, and the role that dreams can play in shaping our desires and expectations. The repetition of the title phrase underscores the power of the dream in the singer's life, and the ambivalent emotions it provokes: frustration and resignation, hope and despair.


Line by Line Meaning

Darn that dream I dream each night
Cursing the dream that torments me with a false hope every night


You say you love me and you hold me tight
You profess your love for me, but it seems fleeting as you disappear when I awaken


But when I awake, you're out of sight
Once I'm back in reality, you're no longer by my side


Oh, darn that dream
Expressing frustration with the dream that toys with my emotions


Darn your lips and darn your eyes
Cursing the beauty that lures me in and raises my hopes


They lift me high above the moonlit skies
Feeling euphoric and on top of the world due to your allure and charm


Then I tumble out of paradise
Crashing back to reality and feeling a sense of loss or disappointment


Oh, darn that dream
Continuing to lament the torment of the recurring dream


Darn that one-track mind of mine
Criticizing oneself for fixating on a love that may not be reciprocated


I can't understand that you don't care
Feeling confused or hurt that the object of affection does not seem to return the same feelings


Just to change the mood I'm in
Willing to entertain even a bad dream if it means not having to carry the burden of unrequited love


I'd welcome a nice old nightmare
Desiring any kind of distraction or relief from the pain of longing


Darn that dream and bless it too
Recognizing the ambivalence felt toward the dream - both a source of hope and distress


Without that dream, I never would have you
Acknowledging that the dream at least brought the two together, even if it remains unfulfilled


But it haunts me and it won't come true
Returning to the feeling of frustration and helplessness over the unattainable dream


Oh, darn that dream
One more expression of exasperation and sadness




Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: EDDIE DELANGE, JAMES VAN HEUSEN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Ken Marshall

So many female artists are indebted to this lady. She set the standard for the following century and beyond with her phrasing, attack, and tonality

james sullivan

The song and arrangement is perfection.  Mildred the White Goddess, Benny's clarinet and the fabulous brass section give us a moment never to be repeated.

Pete Ruppert

She sure was "Mrs. Swing"! What a great timeless work, this song, her voice. Benny Goodman's Orchestra surely benefited from her as a singer, they were a great combination.

Danny Heller

An all-time favorite!

James Jordan

Mildred and Benny together to give us a lovely song and an ache that such songs will never be composed and so rarely played. Darn us if YouTube should quit the Internet.

HFritzson

She was so influential. And great.

callouscallus

wow they completely reworked the tune and melody when her vocal starts, doesn't have the climbing chromatic notes. Totally cool to study this arrangement, it's awesome

conticris

Yes, it's good old Benny. What a combination!!

Kirk Barkley

My favorite M.B. recording is "I Thought About You" but this is great as well

Garrett Keeton

I have to agree. It's my favorite as well!

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