Week 10 Blog Post -- Sweet Dreams (Eurythmics)
The single "Sweet Dreams" by the new wave duo Eurythmics was released in 1983. "Sweet Dreams" is a bittersweet synth-pop song which utilizes synthesizers very effectively to create a unique atmosphere and is overall very enjoyable to listen to.
The musical feature of "Sweet Dreams" that will most likely capture the listener's attention is the edgy synthesizer melody that is constantly played through the song's duration. This melody immediately establishes a sinister tone that, combined with the timbre of the lead singer's voice and periodical bass drum hits, lends the song an ethereal and otherworldly quality unlike anything I've heard before. There is a moment when the song breaks out into a happier mood reminiscent of disco, creating a nice sense of juxtaposition. This is followed up by another moment where the singer sings the harmony to the main vocal melody, creating a lot of musical tension that is resolved when the singer sings the main melody again.
Lyrically, the song deals with themes of despair and nihilism. The singer seems to be obsessively thinking about the harsh realities of the world, with these lines being the main lyrics of the song:
"Some of them want to use you / Some of them want to get used by you / Some of them want to abuse you / Some of them want to be abused / Sweet dreams are made of this / Who am I to disagree? / I've traveled the world and the seven seas / Everybody's looking for something"
The singer has spent a lot of time thinking about how abusive and cruel people can be, and has come to terms with the fact that this is just how the world is. However, the singer still has some hope left in them: during the disco-like section of the song, the lyrics also become happier: "Hold your head up (Movin' on) / Keep your head up (Movin' on)"
I had a lot of fun listening to and analyzing this song. I may have to explore more synth-pop music, as I really enjoyed the mood and atmosphere of "Sweet Dreams" and want to hear more like it.
I love this song! I and my family would listen to it all the time when I was younger. I always knew the meaning of the lyrics was a serious topic, but I never thought of it as the singer thinking about these issues. I also never really put the lyrics together when it tells you to keep your head up and move on. Thanks for putting me in that perspective.
ReplyDeleteI also did this song! It's a classic for me and I love the message behind the song. It's a really cool and creative song. The music is amazing and I love the beat in this song and how it fits the theme of the lyrics. It's a bop for sure. It definitely has deep meaning that I love and really appreciate. I grew up listening to this song and I don't think I ever really realized the message the lyrics were putting across until the other day. It's an amazing song.
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