The Zombies – Hung Up on a Dream

About the song

“Hung Up on a Dream” by The Zombies is a captivating track from the band’s critically acclaimed 1968 album “Odessey and Oracle”. Released in the midst of the psychedelic rock era, this song offers a profound glimpse into the band’s distinctive sound and lyrical depth.

Released as part of their final studio album, “Odessey and Oracle”, “Hung Up on a Dream” showcases the band’s innovative approach to music, blending psychedelic rock with baroque pop influences. The album, recorded at Abbey Road Studios in London, is often hailed as one of the greatest psychedelic albums of all time, and “Hung Up on a Dream” is a prime example of its artistic achievement. This track was released on April 5, 1968, and has since become a cherished part of the album’s legacy.

The song is characterized by its lush orchestration, featuring a rich tapestry of strings and harmonious vocals that reflect the band’s mastery of arrangement and production. “Hung Up on a Dream” is both introspective and evocative, with lyrics that explore themes of disillusionment and longing. The recurring refrain, “You’re hung up on a dream,” suggests a sense of being trapped in a fantasy or an ideal that cannot be fully realized. This poignant theme resonates throughout the song, underscoring the band’s ability to capture complex emotional landscapes through their music.

In terms of its impact and significance, “Hung Up on a Dream” reflects the broader musical and cultural shifts of the late 1960s. The song’s dreamy, melancholic quality aligns with the era’s exploration of psychedelic and introspective themes. The album itself, “Odessey and Oracle,” while initially not a commercial success, has since been recognized as a masterpiece of the genre, influencing countless artists and contributing to the evolution of psychedelic rock.

The song has been praised for its sophisticated production and its ability to convey a deep sense of melancholy and introspection. Its place within The Zombies’ discography highlights the band’s exceptional talent and their innovative approach to music during a transformative period in rock history. “Hung Up on a Dream” remains a testament to The Zombies’ enduring legacy and their contribution to the psychedelic rock genre.

In summary, “Hung Up on a Dream” by The Zombies, released on April 5, 1968, from the album “Odessey and Oracle,” is a standout track that exemplifies the band’s unique sound and lyrical depth. Its exploration of themes such as disillusionment and longing, combined with its lush orchestration, makes it a significant piece in the band’s oeuvre and a noteworthy example of late 1960s psychedelic rock.

Video

Lyrics

Just a little bit of nothing,
Tell me, tell me why you had to go
I’m just a little bit of nowhere,
Don’t you think I’ve told you so?

You’re hung up on a dream,
You’re hung up on a dream,
You’re hung up on a dream,
Oh, baby, oh

Just a little bit of nothing,
Tell me, tell me why you had to go
I’m just a little bit of nowhere,
Don’t you think I’ve told you so?

You’re hung up on a dream,
You’re hung up on a dream,
You’re hung up on a dream,
Oh, baby, oh

Don’t you know I’ve seen that before?
It’s so hard to tell the way it goes
Oh, baby, oh

You’re hung up on a dream,
You’re hung up on a dream,
You’re hung up on a dream,
Oh, baby, oh

Oh, baby, oh, baby, oh
Oh, baby, oh