
"Dream On" – Aerosmith
Release Date: June 27, 1973
Album: Aerosmith (self-titled debut)
Genre: Hard Rock, Power Ballad
Written by: Steven Tyler
Length: 4:28
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Song Summary & Meaning
"Dream On" is a powerful anthem about perseverance and ambition, encouraging listeners to keep striving despite struggles. Steven Tyler wrote it as a reflection on life’s challenges and the inevitability of aging, but also as a call to hold on to dreams:
“Sing with me, sing for the years / Sing for the laughter, sing for the tears…”
“Dream on, dream until your dreams come true.”
The song resonates because it blends melancholy introspection with explosive hope.
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Musical Highlights
Begins as a soft ballad with Tyler on piano, then builds to a soaring, hard rock climax.
Features one of Steven Tyler’s most iconic high-pitched screams.
Joe Perry’s melodic guitar riffs balance the dramatic vocal delivery.
Known as Aerosmith’s signature song and one of the earliest examples of a rock power ballad.