Herdman attended the University of Iowa, finishing her studies at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York. While working in the fashion industry, she began to play in the coffeehouses of Greenwich Village and the church basements of the Upper West Side, and toured in Europe. In 1976, she moved to Philadelphia and decided to become a professional singer.
Her first album, The Water Lily, was released in 1977, on the Philo label. In 1980, her second album, Forgotten Dreams, consisting mainly of covers of songs by contemporary North American songwriters, was released on the Flying Fish label. In 1982, Herdman left Philadelphia and moved to the small rural community of Pine Plains, New York, where she met her husband, Dick Hermans. In 1983 she released her third album, Seasons of Change. To date, Herdman has released 12 albums, including two as Priscilla Herdman, Anne Hills & Cindy Mangsen.
Dreamland
Priscilla Herdman Lyrics
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Pull your covers up real tight
By your bed we'll leave a light
To guide you off to dreamland
Your pillows soft your bed is warm
Your eyes are tired when day is done
One more kiss and you'll be gone
On your way to dreamland
In every bed around the world
Can hear the stars up in the sky
Whispering a lullaby
Who knows where you'll fly away
Winging passed the light of day
The man in the moon and the milky way
Welcome you to dreamland
Every sleepy boy and girl
In every bed around the world
Can hear the stars up in the sky
Whispering a lullaby
Who knows where you'll fly away
Winging passed the light of day
The man in the moon and the milky way
Welcome you to dreamland
The lyrics of Priscilla Herdman's song Dreamland describe the peaceful and comforting feeling of going to bed and falling asleep. The repetition of "dreamland" throughout the song creates a sense of magical and other-worldly atmosphere. The soothing tone of the singer's voice and the lullaby-like melody reinforce the idea that the listener is being guided into a safe and calm place of rest.
The song also highlights the universality of the experience of falling asleep, as Herdman sings of "every sleepy boy and girl in every bed around the world". The stars in the sky are personified as whispering a lullaby, which fosters a connection between the sleeper and the natural world beyond their window. The man in the moon and the milky way are also personified as welcoming the sleeper to dreamland, further emphasizing the magical and comforting nature of the experience.
Overall, Herdman's Dreamland is a gentle and soothing ode to the peace and safety of falling asleep, embracing the idea that there is a universal magic in the act of dreaming.
Line by Line Meaning
Sun goes down and says goodnight
The sun sets and signals the end of the day
Pull your covers up real tight
Get cozy and comfortable in bed
By your bed we'll leave a light
There will be a night light to ensure a peaceful sleep
To guide you off to dreamland
The light will assist in transitioning to sleep
Your pillows soft your bed is warm
The bed is comfortable and inviting
Your eyes are tired when day is done
Eventually, one gets tired at the end of the day
One more kiss and you'll be gone
A goodnight kiss is given before drifting into sleep
On your way to dreamland
The journey to sleeping begins
Every sleepy boy and girl
All children who are ready for bed
In every bed around the world
Regardless of location, all beds are meant for sleeping
Can hear the stars up in the sky
One can hear the silence of the night, with only stars in the sky
Whispering a lullaby
The peaceful night whispers a calming message
Who knows where you'll fly away
It's unknown where one's dreams will take them
Winging passed the light of day
Dreaming takes you away from the current reality
The man in the moon and the milky way
The night sky provides a comforting presence
Welcome you to dreamland
You are invited to dive into a peaceful slumber
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: MARY CARPENTER, MARY CHAPIN CARPENTER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind