Wonder's single "Fingertips" was a No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1963, at the age of 13, making him the youngest artist ever to top the chart. Wonder's critical success was at its peak in the 1970s. His "classic period" began in 1972 with the releases of Music of My Mind and Talking Book, the latter featuring "Superstition", which is one of the most distinctive and famous examples of the sound of the Hohner Clavinet keyboard. His works Innervisions (1973), Fulfillingness' First Finale (1974) and Songs in the Key of Life (1976) all won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year, making him the tied-record holder for the most Album of the Year wins, with three. He is also the only artist to have won the award with three consecutive album releases. Wonder began his "commercial period" in the 1980s; he achieved his biggest hits and highest level of fame, had increased album sales, charity participation, high-profile collaborations (including Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson), political impact, and television appearances. Wonder has continued to remain active in music and political causes.
Wonder is one of the best-selling music artists of all time, with sales of over 100 million records worldwide. He has won 25 Grammy Awards (the most by a solo artist) and one Academy Award (Best Original Song, for the 1984 film The Woman in Red). Wonder has been inducted into the Rhythm and Blues Music Hall of Fame, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Songwriters Hall of Fame. He is also noted for his work as an activist for political causes, including his 1980 campaign to make Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday a federal holiday in the U.S. In 2009, he was named a United Nations Messenger of Peace, and in 2014, he was honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Wonder was born Stevland Hardaway Judkins in Saginaw, Michigan, on May 13, 1950, the third of five children born to Lula Mae Hardaway, and the second of Hardaway's two children with Calvin Judkins. He was born six weeks premature which, along with the oxygen-rich atmosphere in the hospital incubator, resulted in retinopathy of prematurity, a condition in which the growth of the eyes is aborted and causes the retinas to detach, so he became blind.
Dream Come True
Stevie Wonder Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Do, do, do, do, do, do
Do, do, do, do, do, do, do
Do, do, do, do, do, do
I never, never had a dream come true
In my every dream, I'm loved by you
And we're free as the wind
Therefore, men are men, not machines
I never, never had a dream come true
Without you, the world out there is painted shades of blue
Since our roads never crossed
I work just to please the boss
Think I might as well get lost in my dreams
Do, do, do, do, do, do, do
Do, do, do, do, do, do
Do, do, do, do, do, do, do
Do, do, do, do, do, do
I never, never had a dream come true
Yes, I'm gonna dream about you baby my whole life through
Seems my folks are ashamed
Said I ain't worth a thing
But I'm glad I'm chained to my dreams
Do, do, do, do, do, do, do
Do, do, do, do, do, do
Do, do, do, do, do, do, do
Do, do, do, do, do, do
Keep on dreamin'
Do, do, do, do, do, do, do
Do, do, do, do, do, do
Sing along with me
Do, do, do, do, do, do, do
Do, do, do, do, do, do
Keep on dreamin'
The lyrics to Stevie Wonder's "Dream Come True" describe the yearning for a dream to become a reality, particularly in the domain of love. The repetition of "Do, do, do" in the chorus sets an ethereal tone, echoing the transcendence that love can bring to someone's life. Despite never having had a dream come true, the singer imagines himself and his lover "free as the wind," where true love is unencumbered by societal pressures and norms. The desire for genuine emotion is juxtaposed against the mundanity of everyday life, where the singer feels like his dreams are more worthwhile than his job, and that his parents disapprove of his aspirations.
The song's message of hope and perseverance has resonated with many listeners, becoming one of Stevie Wonder's most beloved tracks. There is a relatable quality in the way the lyrics touch on the difficulties of finding and maintaining love, as well as the way societal expectations can dampen one's sense of potential. By emphasizing the importance of remaining steadfast in pursuing one's goals, "Dream Come True" empowers the listener to keep dreaming and hoping, even in the face of obstacles.
Line by Line Meaning
Do, do, do, do, do, do, do
The repetition of this phrase could represent the feeling of being lost, and the need to keep moving forward despite feeling stuck.
I never, never had a dream come true
The singer has never experienced their dreams coming to fruition or becoming a reality, which could represent a sense of longing or dissatisfaction with their current situation.
In my every dream, I'm loved by you
The singer's dreams always involve feeling loved and appreciated, possibly indicating a desire for emotional fulfillment.
And we're free as the wind
The artist's dream involves a feeling of freedom and liberation, which could represent a desire to escape from their current circumstances.
And true love is no sin
The artist believes in the concept of true love, and does not see it as something to be ashamed of or hidden.
Therefore, men are men, not machines
The singer highlights the importance of human emotions and relationships, suggesting that people should not be treated as emotionless machines.
Without you, the world out there is painted shades of blue
The singer suggests that their life is not complete without the person they are addressing, and that their absence would make everything feel dull and lifeless.
Since our roads never crossed
The artist and the person they are addressing have not had the opportunity to meet, which could represent a sense of missed opportunity or regret.
I work just to please the boss
The artist's job involves doing what someone else wants them to do, which could represent a lack of control or agency in their life.
Think I might as well get lost in my dreams
The artist believes that their dreams are the only place where they can truly find fulfillment and happiness, as opposed to their mundane reality.
Yes, I'm gonna dream about you baby my whole life through
The singer is committed to their dreams and to the idea of being with the person they are addressing, no matter how improbable it may seem.
Seems my folks are ashamed
The artist's family disapproves of their aspirations or way of life, which could represent a sense of alienation or rejection.
Said I ain't worth a thing
The singer's family has explicitly told them that they are not valuable or deserving of success, which could represent a lack of support or encouragement.
But I'm glad I'm chained to my dreams
The singer is committed to their dreams despite external criticism or adversity, and sees them as something to hold onto or believe in.
Sing along with me
The repetition of this phrase could represent a sense of community or shared experience, and a desire to find connection with others.
Keep on dreamin'
The artist encourages themselves and others to continue holding onto their dreams, even in the face of obstacles or setbacks.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Henry Cosby, Sylvia Moy, Stevie Wonder
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
speedy45rpm
I never understood why this wasn't a bigger hit for Stevie. Certainly one of his best efforts in a career filled with great songs. The two songs he released before this and the two after all went into the Top Ten, but this one peaked at number 26. Just a wonderful performance from one of the most genuinely talented musicians of his era.
Karn allsop
HIT OR NOT!! IT'S ONE OF MY FAVOURITE SOLO SONG'S OF HIS👍 I lOVE HIS DUET'S MOST OF HIS SONG'S ARE BEAUTIFUL 🎶👍 HE ALSO HAS A PLACE IN OUR in 💓👍🙂😘
AS WELL AS THE ☀️🕶️🙂🇬🇧😘
Victor Graulau
@Karn allsop Oddly enough, this song was highly touted by the critics at the time. and it did very well in Great Britain, where it peaked at #9.
Simon Boyes
@Victor Graulau Actually #6 I believe - even better
milton112
"Therefore men are men not machines."
Caitriona Muireann
Why isn't Stevie appreciated by more people my age? I'm 16 and Stevie is one of my absolute IDOLS.. He is incredible!!
Marian Gargano
And now you must be 27 and I'm 16, I'm in the same place you were hahahah
Comedy & Fun Viral video
I'm 29 ❤ and absolutely got blown away by his songs 10-12 years ago .
Loons
Thank you for this one Stevie. I asked for this to be played for the exit music for my dads funeral last week as he loved this song. It’s now become one of my favourites. RIEP Dad - we miss you so much 🙏🏾
dereck smith
One of the best songs of the 20th century or any century !