Sunday, March 19, 2017

Dream Songs by C.J. Burright

Dreams have always fascinated me, the meaning behind them, how our brains decide what to dream about, how dreams can evoke emotions just as strongly as in real life. 


So it’s really no surprise that my Dreamcaster series revolves around characters who deal with dreams in a supernatural way. My heroes (and anti-heroes) invade dreams and require them to survive. My heroines dream up some spooky things, nightmare creatures they breathe to life while asleep. They need each other, like poison and an antidote, and not everyone is happy about it. Which makes their journey to romance all the more fun, right? J For my dreamcasters, the men of their dreams are the real deal with a side of scary. Want to know more? Get a taste of their world here.



I thought it might be fun in this post to combine two of my favorite fascinations: dreams and music.

MY TOP 5 (OR SO) DREAM SONGS

These Dreams by Heart
This song felt like the Wilson sisters walked inside my head and pulled out pieces of my dreams. Seriously. Maybe there really are dream-invaders out there…



End of the Dream and Imaginary by Evanescence
Evanescence is one of my all-time favorite bands, and I’m wondering now if it’s because they reference dreams so much. *Shrugs* Doesn’t matter. I still love them.

Once Upon a Dream - Sleeping Beauty Waltz
I think Disney may have played a part in my fascination with dreams. What girl wouldn’t swoon upon meeting the guy she dreamed about? I’ve dreamed of Alex Skarsgard, but he still hasn’t shown up crooning I know you, I walked with you once upon a dream… Hey, a girl can still dream. And I just love the version of this song by Lana Del Rey from the movie Maleficent. It’s Disney darkened, and fits quite right for my Dreamcaster stories.

Sandman by Metallica
My favorite head-banging song, and completely appropriate since it references nightmares. And a little CJ fun-fact: one of my friends edited my black belt test video to this song, making me look like a total bada$$. Watching it pumps me up! Ka-pow!

A Dream Within a Dream by Alan Parsons Project
A combination of Edgar Alan Poe and one of my favorite ‘80s progressive, a little-on-the-weird-side rock band? Yes, please. Makes a Goth girl happy.



If you want to listen, feel free to access my playlist here, where there are a couple bonus songs not included in this post (but well worth listening to).

Do you have a favorite song about dreams? What songs did I miss?

24 comments:

Diane Burton said...

Great post, CJ! The 1st "dream" song that popped in my mind is "DreamWeaver" by Gary Wright. I recognized the Sleeping Beauty Waltz (Disney). One from my childhood. LOL Someday I would love to have someone interpret my dreams. They can be so vivid. For years after I quit teaching school, I would dream about being back in the classroom with wild, unruly kids who wouldn't listen. Not a whole lot of analyzing that one.

When we dream about a deceased loved one, does that mean they're thinking about us? The possibility for stories is limitless.

CJ Burright said...

So true, Diane! Last night I dreamed about cobras...lots and lots of cobras in my work space, all trying to sneak up on me and bite me. *shudder* Whatever cobras signify in dreams, I have a feeling they're not good! I've always loved the Sleeping Beauty Waltz too - one of my favorites to play on the piano. Of course, I have a huge Disney theme song music book too - they have such great songs. :)

Francesca Quarto said...

I have always dreamed in color and sometimes they are vivid enough that I've shed tears. I remember scaring the curl out of my twins hair when he crept into my room for the clean clothes basket I always stashed for personal convenience. It took forever to pick it all up after his Herculean basket toss.
Loved your post and I'm certain you have many kindred spirits enjoying your music picks right now! I loved Dream Weaver, by the by...go figure.

Francesca

CJ Burright said...

My dreams are like that too, Francesca! I wonder if it's a writer/creative thing? Sometimes the emotions in dreams are as real as life, and I'll wake up crying or feeling betrayed or sad or happy. There have been a time or two I've been slightly miffed at hubby for the things he did in my dreams. :)

Maureen said...

Great post! I've always had an interest in dreams because I have very vivid ones. I've also had times when I'm under a lot of stress that I sleep walk or having 'waking dreams' (I'm not sure if that's the correct term, but I would act as if I'm awake- sit up, talk, 'see things' etc but then wake up). Great post!

CJ Burright said...

Thanks, Maureen! I've never been a sleep walker, and there have been a few times I've had dreams while awake too. Or those dreams within dreams, when you dream you wake up, but don't really. It's all so fascinating!

Nancy Gideon said...

Dream On, Aerosmith. Dreams are fascinating, especially those you have just before you wake that remain so clearly with you. You series concept sounds awesome!!

CJ Burright said...

Oh yeah, that's a great song too - thanks, Nancy!

Mia Celeste said...

Wow, you picked some great songs. No wonder your stories shine.

CJ Burright said...

There are some great musicians and songwriters out there! And it helps to know that..."if I'm a dreamer, I'm not the only one." :) So many songs about dreams to use for my own shady doings.

Patricia said...

That's great play list. I like most of those artists. Not sure about the whole dreaming thing. To me, dreams are scary. I can't figure out why we dream and why mine are always so stupid. I never have a good dream. Always scary, weird or stupid.

Anyway, I love the playlist.

Patricia Rickrode
w/a Jansen Schmidt

Anna (herding cats-burning soup) said...

Real deal with a side of scary. Ooo!

I don't know that I've heard any of these songs. Ah! Off to youtube!

CJ Burright said...

Well, I do have some stupid and scary dreams too, Patricia. Does that make you feel any better? I figured you'd like at least parts of the playlist...all hail, Disney! :)

CJ Burright said...

That shocks me that you haven't heard any of those songs, Anna! Not even the Disney theme, huh? Horizons expanded. :)

Danielle H. said...

I used to keep a dream journal in high school. Fascinating stuff dreams are. Now I try to interpret the ones I remember. I think the closest song I remember today is "Wake Me Up" by Aloe Blacc. Not truly about dreams, but really makes me think.

Brenda said...

These Dreams by Heart is the first dream song that comes to mind.

Nicky232807 said...

I LOVE this post!! I have always been fascinated by my dreams..and horrified..I always kept a dream journal as a kid..and always had dream interpretation books.. always had horrifying dreams!! The stuff I've dreamt about..I could write an entire series of books! Lol! Love the dream songs!! Great picks!! Thanks for sharing!!

Katrina Dehart said...

Love Metallica

CJ Burright said...

I really need to keep a dream journal, Danielle - I'm always running late in the morning, and by the time I get around to thinking about my dreams, I've forgotten most of them. I haven't heard Wake Me Up, but I'll check it out - thanks for stopping by!

CJ Burright said...

Yep, These Dreams is definitely one of my favorite dream songs. Thanks for commenting, Brenda!

CJ Burright said...

I've had some pretty hair-raising dreams too, Nicole! Not to mention the recurring dreams I have of tidal waves...I've done some research on water dreams too, but they don't really erase the fear when you're dreaming of a giant wall of water coming your way!

CJ Burright said...

Metallica is awesome, Katrina, no argument here. :) Thanks so much for dropping by!

Sarah DeLong said...

Love this post and those songs!

CJ Burright said...

Awww, thanks, Sarah! :)