The New Wave band Blondie emerged in the 1970s, achieved great success, and eventually faded with the times. Like many other bands, they settled into a life of touring and releasing an occasional album. They’re still at it today.
Debbie Harry, the band’s lead singer and founder, is still belting out the old hits at age 69. She doesn’t look anywhere near 69, but the math doesn’t lie.
Back in the day, I wasn’t much of a Blondie fan. Their songs were catchy and memorable, but I dismissed them as lightweight. Too New-Wavey.
But in the last few years, I’ve changed my mind. I started paying closer attention to the lyrics, and to my surprise, I discovered actual substance.
Consider their 1979 song “Dreaming,” in which Harry turns down a guy who asks for a date because “dreaming is free.” Dreaming, she says, requires no emotional investment and guarantees that you won’t get hurt.
Having made the point, the song turns scattershot and ambiguous. Uh, like a dream.
Not major-league profound, but pretty good for a New-Wavey band.
Dreaming
By Blondie, 1979
Written by Chris Stein and Debbie Harry
When I met you in the restaurant,
You could tell I was no debutante.
You asked me what’s my pleasure,
a movie or a measure.
I’ll have a cup of tea
And tell you of my dreaming.
Dreaming is free.
Dreaming.
Dreaming is free.
I don’t want to live on charity.
Pleasure’s real, or is it fantasy?
Reel to reel is living rarity.
People stop and stare at me.
We just walk on by.
We just keep on dreaming.
Feet, feet — walking a two-mile.
Meet, meet — meet me at the turnstile.
I never met him.
I’ll never forget him.
Dream, dream — even for a little while.
Dream, dream — filling up an idle hour.
Fade away, radiate.
I sit by and watch the river flow.
I sit by and watch the traffic go.
Imagine something of your very own,
Something you can have and hold.
I’d build a road in gold
Just to have some dreaming.
Dreaming is free.
Dreaming.
dreaming is free.
Dreaming.
dreaming is free.
Dreaming is free.
Young Debbie.
Debbie today.
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