After yesterday’s classic blues number best known for Lead Belly, another simmering jealousy classic from one of the great soul stars whose life was tragically cut short in a 1967 plane crash aged only 26. He died alongside with four members of the band the Bar-Keys, but his life will be remembered for his astonishing maturity and power as a singer, his status within the industry and as a philanthropist, and after superb performances with influences such as Solomon Burke, a raft of great, collaborated songs. I’ve Got Dreams to Remember, on one of the first posthumous albums (The Immortal Otis Redding, 1968) was written alongside Stax musicians Herman Heinsbroek, Jan Wiesebron, Victor MacDonald, Nan Schuring, Zelma Redding, Joe Rock, and it is a relatively simple one, with basic guitar arpeggios. But this shows the power of his intense talent, alongside the strong, steady horn section, the backing singers, and key changes, all turn it into a classic. Its tone is despairing and helpless about his lover’s infidelity, but the title phrase as moire than one meaning - not just last night’s dreams, but also bigger life goals. We remember his dreams, at least, in tracks such as this, even if he only went a small way to fulfilling what could have been a career without limits, not just in music, but beyond it too.
I've got dreams, dreams to remember
I've got dreams, dreams to remember
Honey, I saw you there last night
Another man's arms holding you tight
Nobody knows what I feel inside
All I know, I walked away and cried
I've got dreams, dreams to remember
Listen to me (I've got dreams) rough dreams (dreams to remember)
I know you said he was just a friend
But I saw him kiss you, again and again
These eyes of mine, they don't fool me
Why did he hold you, so tenderly
I've got dreams, dreams to remember
Listen honey (I've got dreams) rough dreams (dreams to remember)
I still want you to stay
I still love you anyway
I don't want you to ever leave
Girl, you just satisfy me, ooh-wee, ooh yeah
I know you said he was just a friend
But I saw you kiss him again and again
These eyes of mine, they don't fool me
Why did he hold you, so tenderly
I've got dreams, dreams to remember
Listen to me mama (I've got dreams) bad dreams, rough dreams (dreams to remember)
Don't make me suffer (I've got dreams) rough dreams, bad dreams (dreams to remember)
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