Supertramp’s 1974 hit single “Dreamer” is one of their most iconic songs. The song was written by Roger Hodgson and released on their album “Crime of the Century”. The song stayed on top of the US Billboard charts for three weeks and still remains an iconic song of the 70s. “Dreamer” explores themes of individualism, imagination and non-conformism in society. Let’s take a deeper look into the meaning behind “Dreamer”.
The lyrics of “Dreamer” are simple yet profound. The song is an ode to dreaming big and following one’s heart no matter the obstacles. The opening lines of the song set the tone, “Dreamer, you know you are a dreamer, I said dreamer, you’re nothing but a dreamer, you can fly, you can fly, High”.
The song continues with the lyrics “Dreamer, you’re still a little dreamer, Well nobody knows where you’re been, or what you’ve seen. Dreamer, you’re still a little dreamer, Well if you’re gonna make a dream come true, You gotta wake up and work for it, Cause no one’s gonna do it for you”. The song talks about the importance of hard work to realize one’s dreams and being persistent against all odds.
Roger Hodgson wrote the song when he was 19, and it became one of the first the band recorded. It was the first charting hit, reaching #13 in the UK and #15 (a live single version) in the US. He recorded the demo of the song with vocals, cardboard boxes used for percussion, and an electric piano.
I was excited – it was the first time I laid hands on a Wurlitzer.
Roger Hodgson describes how “the song exploded out of me” in this interview in LA in 2013 (last clip).
From their much acclaimed third album Crime of the Century, their first gold record.
The album can be loosely termed “concept album”, dealing with a young man’s loneliness, emotions and personal struggle. For example, “School” deals with Paranoia.
Supertramp - Dreamer [03:31 | Pop, Rock, Piano Rock, Progressive Pop, Art Rock, Pop-Rock] ( youtu.be )