Fleetwood Mac is a British-American rock band famous for its smooth, harmonious, and timeless hits. Their songs blend rock, pop, and blues, with hits like Go Your Own Way and Rhiannon.
The band has won multiple Grammy Awards, including the Album of the Year for Rumours. Their breakthrough came in the 1970s with a new lineup that included Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham.
Together, they created the album Rumours (1977), a record filled with real-life heartbreak and beautiful music. It sold over 40 million copies and became one of the best-selling albums in history.
About the Song
It is a soulful song that holds the bittersweet feelings of a relationship falling apart. It is filled with raw emotion, talking about the ups and downs of loving someone and then having to let go.
The song became an instant hit with its dreamy melody and reflective lyrics. It continues to connect with people and touch hearts across generations.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Released | February 4, 1977 |
| Album | 25 Years: The Chain (1992) |
| Writers | Stevie Nicks |
| Producers | Ken Caillat, Richard Dashut, Christine McVie, Fleetwood Mac |
Dreams Song Meaning
The song is about a relationship falling apart. In the beginning, she talks about someone who says they want freedom, not trying to stop them, but it still hurts, and she wonders if they even notice how their actions affect others.
She’s talking about how some people only care when things are easy or fun. Once it gets hard, they pull away.
Through simple weather images like rain, she believes that the person leaving her will one day feel sorry about their choice. The line “Thunder only happens when it’s raining” suggests that big emotions, like anger or sadness, only emerge when things are already going wrong.
In the end, the song is about letting go. Even though it’s hard, she knows she has to move on. It’s sad but also strong because she’s not begging someone to stay. She’s choosing peace.
Dreams Lyrics by Fleetwood Mac
Intro: Stevie Nicks
(Mmm)
Verse 1: Stevie Nicks
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
Pre-Chorus: Stevie Nicks
Like a heartbeat drives you mad (Heartbeat)
In the stillness of rememberin’ (Stillness)
What you had and what you lost (Lonely, ooh)
And what you had and what you lost (Ooh, ooh)
Chorus: Stevie Nicks & Lindsey Buckingham, Christine McVie
Oh, thunder only happens when it’s rainin’
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
Instrumental Break
Verse 2: Stevie Nicks
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
Pre-Chorus: Stevie Nicks
Like a heartbeat drives you mad (Heartbeat)
In the stillness of rememberin’ (Stillness)
What you had and what you lost (Lonely, ooh)
Oh, what you had, oh, what you lost (Ooh, ah)
Chorus: Stevie Nicks & Lindsey Buckingham, Christine McVie
Thunder only happens when it’s rainin’
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
Oh, thunder only happens when it’s rainin’
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
Outro: Stevie Nicks & Lindsey Buckingham, Christine McVie
You’ll know
You will know
Oh, you’ll know
Similar Songs Like Dreams
Here are some similar songs by the same artist that fans of Dreams might enjoy:
- ”Landslide”: A gentle, emotional song about change, growing older, and facing life’s ups and downs, showing her thoughts during a time of personal uncertainty.
- ”Silver Springs”: This gentle yet powerful song tells a story of love and letting go, with emotional vocals and soft instrumentals.
- ”Sara”: Capturing a similar intimate feeling, it is a soft, flowing song with poetic lyrics and a calming rhythm.
- ”Go Your Own Way”: It is a powerful, breaking anthem mixing raw emotion with upbeat rock energy, holding the pain of letting go while still moving forward.
Similar Artists Like Fleetwood Mac
Listed below are some artists similar to Fleetwood Mac, along with their genre and notable albums.
- Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
Genres: Folk Rock, Rock, Country Rock
Top Albums: Déjà Vu (1970), Crosby, Stills & Nash (1969), 4 Way Street (1971) - The Doobie Brothers
Genres: Rock, Soft Rock, Blue-Eyed Soul
Top Albums: Toulouse Street (1972), Minute by Minute (1978) - Stevie Nicks (Solo Career)
Genres: Rock, Pop Rock, Folk Rock
Top Albums: Bella Donna (1981), The Wild Heart (1983), and Trouble in Shangri-La (2001) - Eagles
Genres: Rock, Soft Rock, Country Rock
Top Albums: Hotel California (1976), Eagles (1972), The Long Run (1979)
Frequently Asked Questions
How Does the Song Dreams Connect to Go Your Own Way?
Dreams and Go Your Own Way tell opposite sides of Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham’s breakup. His song is bitter and aggressive, while hers is reflective and dreamy.
What is Meant by the Phrase Thunder Only Happens When It’s Raining?
The phrase suggests emotional storms only appear when things are already troubled.
Have Other Artists Covered Dreams?
Yes, artists like The Corrs and Lissie have created well-known versions of the song.
