Don't Dream Them Dreams
AUDIO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oz3D53eU8EU
Thanks for having me on this forum, RainyDayMan! I used to be here a lot in the months just before COVID. Then my local open mics stopped and my mind wandered to things besides music. But I'm back!
This song is a true story a friend of mine experienced with his grandad. It's about how self-doubt and fear of failure are passed down generation to generation. NO AI was used in the creation of this song!
VERSE 1
He showed grandpa his paper
The best grade in class
Said, "I think I've found my calling at last
I'll travel the world
and be a book writer"
Grandpa shook his head
and set down his cider
PRECHORUS
"Grandson of mine,
you'll only get hurt
It's the fate of our kind
to be poor as dirt
Put this aside
and learn a trade
and take to heart
what I'm going to say
CHORUS
"Boy, don't dream them dreams
You know they can't happen to us
Boy, don't dream them dreams
You'll see them crushed into dust
Don't dream them dreams
Don't dream them dreams"
VERSE 2
When he grew up
he put his pen away
Worked to the bone
and bills to pay
Stories and plays
were not his concern
Just trying to get by
on what little he earned
Once and again
he would write a few lines
Then say to himself,
"I just don't have the time"
PRECHORUS
Over and over
they played in his head
the words of warning
his grandpa said
CHORUS
"Boy, don't dream them dreams
You know they can't happen to us
Boy, don't dream them dreams
You'll see them crushed into dust
Don't dream them dreams
Don't dream them dreams"
VERSE 3
He saw his daughter's painting
the best in the class
"Dad, I think I've found
my calling at last
I'll beautify the world
through works of art"
He said the words
he knew by heart
PRECHORUS
"Daughter of mine,
you'll only get hurt
It's the fate of our kind
to be poor as dirt
Put these thoughts aside
and learn a trade
Now take to heart
what I'm going to say
CHORUS
"Girl, don't dream them dreams
You know they can't happen to us
Girl, don't dream them dreams
You'll see them crushed into dust
Don't dream them dreams
Don't dream them dreams"
© 2025 Art Howard
Comments
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Hey Art! Your song is great man. I just listened to it and loved every bit. Your storytelling is honest, simple, yet layered. Fantastic job man.0
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Hi, nice old school country song
I think parents do this to kids inadvertently not even needing to say it.
Like the first verse, I didn't think the following verses were as good.
The key might be too low to be exciting.
I woulda like to see somebody step up and prove they could do it.
Maybe in another song I guess!0 -
I really liked the story, so common inso many families haha.
I liked the style you gave the song; it suits your voice, sounds great with the guitar, and has a melody that's easy on the ear.
Good work, I hope you write another new song soon...
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Thanks, everybody! I had been sheepish to put this one out for public consumption, but it's getting a positive response. It sounds like a lot of people identify with it. I had thought about having the girl break the cycle in the third verse, but that would stretch me into a fourth verse, and I wanted to portray this as I see it happening. Looking forward to posting and listening to more songs here!
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Howdy, Stranger!