Dreaming (Blondie song)

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Dreaming (Blondie song)

Dreaming is a song by the American new wave band Blondie. It was released in 1979 as the opening track and lead single from their fourth album, Eat to the Beat. The song was written by guitarist Chris Stein and singer Debbie Harry, and it was partly inspired by ABBA’s Dancing Queen. Drums on the track were played by Clem Burke, who later said the final recording surprised him.

Background
The idea came from the line “dreaming is free.” After Stein wrote the music, Debbie Harry wrote the lyrics. The result is a fast, energetic Blondie tune that blends pop and new wave elements. Stein later said the song was influenced by ABBA, and some reviewers see echoes of Phil Spector’s Wall of Sound in its production.

Release and reception
Dreaming was released as the lead single from Eat to the Beat in September 1979. In the UK it peaked at No. 2, while in the US it reached No. 27 on the Billboard Hot 100. The US B-side was “Living in the Real World,” and the UK B-side was “Sound-A-Sleep.” A music video was made to promote the single.

Over time, critics have praised Dreaming as a standout Blondie track, calling it a driving, catchy rocker and one of the band’s best songs. It’s appeared on several Blondie compilations and remains a staple of their live shows.

Live performances and legacy
Dreaming became a regular part of Blondie’s live programs. The band performed it on Saturday Night Live in 1979, an appearance famous for drummer Clem Burke leaping over his drum kit at the end. Debbie Harry has also performed the song with other artists, such as the Dum Dum Girls at SXSW in 2014.

Cover versions
The song has been covered by several artists:
- The Smashing Pumpkins recorded a version as a B-side to Bullet with Butterfly Wings (1995) and later included it on The Aeroplane Flies High.
- Yo La Tengo contributed a cover to the 1992 tribute album Freedom of Choice: Yesterday’s New Wave Hits as Performed by Today’s Stars.
- Green Day released a standalone cover in 2020, with a video that nods to their past tours.

Chart performance and certifications
Dreaming charted in multiple countries, with top results in the UK (No. 2), Ireland (No. 3), and Canada (No. 4). In the US, it peaked at No. 27. The UK release earned a Silver certification from the British Phonographic Industry.

Release history
- UK 7-inch single (CHS 2359), released September 1979, with Sound-A-Sleep as the B-side
- US 7-inch single (CHS 2379), released September 1979, with Living in the Real World as the B-side
- US 12-inch promo (CHS14-PDJ), September 1979, featuring the same version on both sides

In popular culture
Dreaming remains one of Blondie’s best-loved songs and has appeared on numerous best-of lists and compilations. It has also found its way into film and TV soundtracks in the years since its original release.