Born in Chicago to Swedish/Italian parents, Lofgren moved to the Washington, D.C., area as a teenager. His first instrument was the accordion. He was also a competitive gymnast in high school, a skill that popped up later in his career.
Lofgren joined Neil Young's band in 1968 at age 17, playing piano on the album After the Gold Rush. Lofgren would maintain a close musical relationship with Young, appearing on his Tonight's the Night album and tour among others. He was also briefly a member of Crazy Horse, appearing on their 1971 LP and contributing songs to their catalogue.
From '71 to '74 Lofgren was active in Grin, the band he founded in '69. After landing a record deal in '71 the band released 4 critically-acclaimed albums but met with little commercial success.
In 1975 Lofgren released his a self-titled solo album featuring songs that went on to become staples of his solo performances; 'Keith Don't Go', 'Back it Up' and the cover of Carole Kings 'Goin' Back'.
Solo albums and tours followed every year through the 70s as Lofgren established himself as a top guitarist and live performer earning the respect and acclaim of his peers.
Bruce Springsteen made the call in 1984 and Lofgren joined the E-Street Band for the 'Born in the USA' tour. Lofgren was instant hit with Springsteens fans through his playing and vibrant on stage persona. Lofgren remains a stalwart of the E-Street Band to the present day.
Lofgren continues to juggle his tenure with the Springsteen Band and a solo recording career, whilst writing and performing with many other artists. His 2008 album 'Nils Sings Neil' was a project featuring Lofgren acoustically covering songs written by Neil Young, his former bandleader in Crazy Horse.
All I Have To Do Is Dream
Nils Lofgren Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
When I want you and all your charms
Whenever I want you, all I have to do is
Drea-ea-ea-ea-eam, dream, dream, dream
When I feel blue in the night
And I need you to hold me tight
Whenever I want you, all I have to do is
I can make you mine, taste your lips of wine
Anytime night or day
Only trouble is, gee whiz
I'm dreamin' my life away
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
Drea-ea-ea-ea-eam, dream, dream, dream
Drea-ea-ea-ea-eam
I can make you mine, taste your lips of wine
Anytime night or day
Only trouble is, gee whiz
I'm dreamin' my life away
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
Drea-ea-ea-ea-eam, dream, dream, dream
Drea-ea-ea-ea-eam, dream, dream, dream
FADE
Drea-ea-ea-ea-eam, dream, dream, dream
Nils Lofgren's song "All I Have to Do Is Dream" is a love song that centers around the theme of longing, yearning, and dreaming of being with the person you love. The song is simple in its structure, with repetitive lyrics that emphasize the idea of dreaming as a way to reach the person you desire. The opening lines of the song, "When I want you in my arms, when I want you and all your charms," illustrate the intense desire and longing for the beloved.
The song's chorus, "All I have to do is dream, dream, dream," emphasizes how dreaming is the only way the singer can be with his beloved. The dream acts as a powerful tool for him to escape the reality of not being with his love. The lyrics illustrate how the singer is consumed by his love for the person, and this desire has reached a point where it's affecting his daily life. However, the song ends on a hopeful note, with the singer stating that dreaming is enough for him, and his love will continue to be in his heart, even if he cannot be with the person.
In conclusion, "All I Have to Do Is Dream" is a beautiful love song that perfectly captures the intense yearning and longing that comes with being deeply in love. Through the power of dreaming, the singer is able to express his love and desire for his beloved, even when they cannot be together physically.
Line by Line Meaning
When I want you in my arms
Every time I long for your physical presence in my arms
When I want you and all your charms
Every time I long for not only your physical presence but also every quality that sets you apart
Whenever I want you, all I have to do is Drea-ea-ea-ea-eam, dream, dream, dream
Whenever I miss you, I can simply start fantasizing about you to bring you closer in my mind
When I feel blue in the night
Every time I feel lonely and low at night
And I need you to hold me tight
And, at such times, I crave nothing more than your tight embrace
I can make you mine, taste your lips of wine, anytime night or day
I can imagine having you all for myself, tasting your sweet lips, anytime it feels right
Only trouble is, gee whiz, I'm dreamin' my life away
The only shortcoming of my constant daydreaming about you is that I'm not living in the present but rather in my unreal fantasies
I need you so that I could die
I desire you to such an extent that I feel like I can't survive without you
I love you so and that is why
I love you immensely, and that's what makes me feel empty whenever you're not around
Drea-ea-ea-ea-eam, dream, dream, dream
So, I keep on dreaming about you, just to feel your presence as much as I can
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Boudleaux Bryant
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind