About the song
The Monkees – Daydream Believer (1967)
Ah, 1967. The Summer of Love was in full swing, the world was buzzing with youthful energy and a sense of change, and amidst it all, The Monkees were riding high on a wave of pop culture mania. Formed initially as a television response to the Beatles’ “A Hard Day’s Night,” this fabricated band quickly transcended their manufactured origins and captured the hearts of millions with their infectious melodies and undeniable charm. And perhaps no song better exemplifies their appeal than the enduring classic, “Daydream Believer.”
While it might seem like just another catchy tune on the surface, “Daydream Believer” is a song layered with subtle complexities. Penned by the prolific songwriter John Stewart, formerly of the Kingston Trio, the track initially possessed a folk-rock sensibility that was transformed into pure pop gold by The Monkees. The song’s simple yet evocative lyrics speak to a universal yearning for escape and the enduring power of love and dreams. It’s a song about finding solace in the midst of life’s uncertainties, about holding onto hope even when reality bites.
What truly elevates “Daydream Believer” is Davy Jones’ lead vocal. His earnest delivery, tinged with a hint of melancholy, perfectly captures the song’s bittersweet essence. The arrangement, with its jangly guitars, buoyant piano chords, and driving rhythm section, is a masterclass in pop craftsmanship. It’s the kind of song that instantly transports you back to a more innocent time, a time when music felt both carefree and profound.
Interestingly, despite its association with The Monkees, “Daydream Believer” wasn’t initially intended for them. Stewart had offered it to several other artists before it landed in the hands of producer Chip Douglas, who recognized its hit potential. And a hit it was, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and becoming one of the defining songs of the era.
But “Daydream Believer” is more than just a nostalgic relic. Its timeless quality has ensured its continued popularity across generations. It’s been covered by countless artists, from Anne Murray to Bruce Springsteen, each interpretation adding a new dimension to the song’s enduring appeal. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of The Monkees or discovering this gem for the first time, “Daydream Believer” is a song that continues to resonate with its message of hope, love, and the power of dreams.
Video
Lyrics
Oh, I could hide ‘neath the wings
Of the bluebird as she sings
The six o’clock alarm would never ring
But it rings and I rise
Wipe the sleep out of my eyes
My shavin’ razor’s cold and it stingsCheer up, Sleepy Jean
Oh, what can it mean
To a daydream believer
And a homecoming queenYou once thought of me
As a white knight on his steed
Now you know how happy I can be
Oh, and our good times start and end
Without dollar one to spend
But how much, baby, do we really needCheer up, Sleepy Jean
Oh, what can it mean
To a daydream believer
And a homecoming queen
Cheer up, Sleepy Jean
Oh, what can it mean
To a daydream believer
And a homecoming queen[Instrumental interlude]
Cheer up, Sleepy Jean
Oh, what can it mean
To a daydream believer
And a homecoming queen
[Repeat and fade]