Throughout his career, Anastasio has participated in various projects outside of Phish, furthering his reputation as a multifaceted composer, instrumentalist, and vocalist. He continues to thrill fans with powerful live performances, and is by no means close to being finished.
Sweet Dreams Melinda
Trey Anastasio Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
In our hideout down by the boathouse, lonely days are through
'Cause when you walked into that room, I've never seen two eyes so blue
Sweet dreams Melinda, the summer days we knew
Laughing down by the water, sweet dreams to you
Went from Charlotte all the way to Savannah, laughing, your feet up on the dash
Flew from Boston down to Tulsa, Oklahoma, in a dream above the clouds, in a dream above the clouds
Sweet dreams Melinda, when summer days are through
I'll think of you on those long lonely nights, Sweet dreams to you
And time after time, I go back to that morning
And the water's so fine, sweet dreams Melinda
Sweet dreams Melinda, The summer days we knew
laughing down by the water, Sweet dreams to you
The opening lines of Trey Anastasio's Sweet Dreams Melinda refer to a sense of renewal and hope. Roses floating across the water and ice slowly melting suggest a thawing of the winter months, a turning point towards warmer, brighter days. This feeling of rejuvenation is cemented by the idea of a "hideout down by the boathouse," a special place where the singer has found a sense of solace and refuge from the world.
The lyrics continue with a reminiscence of a summer fling. The singer talks of a road trip with Melinda, from Charlotte all the way to Savannah, through Toledo with rain falling fast, and eventually flying from Boston to Tulsa. Throughout the journey, Melinda's presence was a source of joy and levity. The line "I've never seen two eyes so blue" speaks to the idea of love at first sight, or at least an intense attraction to another person.
The song is ultimately a song of fond memories and wistful longing, a bittersweet ode to a past love. The repetition of "sweet dreams Melinda" throughout the song is a way of expressing a hope for the subject of the song to find happiness and contentment, even if they are no longer in the singer's life.
Line by Line Meaning
Roses float across the water, and the ice is slowly melting next to you
Nature is coming to life in your presence, as if you have a magical aura that spreads happiness and warmth.
In our hideout down by the boathouse, lonely days are through
Our secret spot by the water is where we escape from the world and find comfort in each other's company.
'Cause when you walked into that room, I've never seen two eyes so blue
Your beauty and presence are so captivating that I cannot help but stare into your deep blue eyes.
Sweet dreams Melinda, the summer days we knew
As you drift off to sleep, remember the beautiful memories we shared in the summertime.
Laughing down by the water, sweet dreams to you
Our carefree moments spent by the water are what I hope you dream about tonight.
Went from Charlotte all the way to Savannah, laughing, your feet up on the dash
We drove for miles, enjoying each other’s company, and making beautiful memories with your feet up on the dashboard.
Stumbled through the yellow lights of Toledo, and the rain was falling fast
No matter what obstacles we faced, like getting lost in a stormy city, we laughed and danced through it together.
Flew from Boston down to Tulsa, Oklahoma, in a dream above the clouds, in a dream above the clouds
We embarked on a journey together, soaring above the clouds and forgetting all our troubles while dreaming of each other.
I'll think of you on those long lonely nights, Sweet dreams to you
When I'm alone and missing you, I'll remember the beautiful moments we shared and wish you sweet dreams.
And time after time, I go back to that morning
I often find myself reminiscing about the moment when we first met, as it brings a joy to my life.
And the water's so fine, sweet dreams Melinda
The thought of you and our summer memories by the water are so sweet that they will help you sleep peacefully.
Contributed by Isaiah R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.