Inspiration Behind Dreams:
Behind the scenes, band members endure trials whether while on the road touring or cutting a new album. Stevie Nix wrote the song Dreams during a tumultuous period for Fleetwood Mac. As personalities clashed during the recording of their Rumors album, internal conflicts intensified. The lyrics to Dreams were conceived from these personal relationships that Nix hoped would recover from this difficult time for Fleetwood Mac.
Biblical Application:
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you, Ephesians 4:29-32.
Exegesis of Dreams:
Now here you go again, you say you want your freedom
Well, who am I to keep you down?
It’s only right that you should play the way you feel it
But listen carefully to the sound of your loneliness
Apparently, at least one band member of Fleetwood Mac was thinking about leaving before the Rumors album was completed. Stevie understood the need for freedom but play a song the way you feel it needs to be played. If this isn’t good enough for you, are you ready to go on your own.
Like a heartbeat drives you mad
In the stillness of remembering what you had
And what you lost
And what you had
And what you lost
Think about what you’re about to do before making a decision that you’ll regret.
Oh, thunder only happens when it’s raining
Players only love you when they’re playing
Say, women, they will come and they will go
When the rain washes you clean, you’ll know
You’ll know
Human beings can be shallow basing their feelings about you by your performance. People will come and go as they please. During periods of rain and storms, you’ll know when you’re fully recovered.
Now here I go again, I see the crystal visions
I keep my visions to myself
It’s only me who wants to wrap around your dreams
And have you any dreams you’d like to sell?
Dreams of loneliness
Stevie has a clear vision either for the band or herself. Yet, she doesn’t think now is the time to tell anyone in the band. Stevie is either referring to a relationship or dreams about Fleetwood Mac. Unfortunately, at the time of writing Dreams, she doesn’t feel that optimistic, just loneliness.
Like a heartbeat drives you mad
In the stillness of remembering what you had
And what you lost
And what you had
Oh, what you lost
Stevie doesn’t want to lose the friendships and relationships that she had at this time.
Thunder only happens when it’s raining
Players only love you when they’re playing
Women, they will come and they will go
When the rain washes you clean, you’ll know
The chorus serves as a time of reflection. People and love change constantly.
Oh, thunder only happens when it’s raining
Players only love you when they’re playing
Say, women, they will come and they will go
When the rain washes you clean, you’ll know
You’ll know
You will know
Oh, you’ll know
Stevie is giving the audience and band members something to think about. The rainwater is symbolic of being cleansed and healed from heart break in life.
Final Thoughts:
In the heat of the moment, we all have said things that we regret. This is why reconciliation is crucial for forgiving and forgetting to move forward in a relationship. While certain people will need a kick in the rear from time to time, staying optimistic has a way of mending fragile relationships. When you point out the positive in the form of affirmations and encouragement, you’re more likely to keep a group of friends together. This is what helps keep dreams alive.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 