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Dead Can Dance — American Dreaming
Album: Toward the Within
Avg rating:
7.5

Your rating:
Total ratings: 3864









Released: 1994
Length: 4:29
Plays (last 30 days): 5
I need my conscience to keep watch over me
To protect me from myself
So I can wear honesty like a crown on my head
When I walk into the promised land

We've been too long American dreaming
I think we've all lost the way
Forlorn somnambulistic maniacal
In the dark

I'm in love with an American girl
Well, she's my best friend
I love her surreptitious smile
That hides the pain within her

And we'll go dancing in the rings of laughter
And leave alone by the shores
Feel alone in the brands of rapture
And leave alone for the loss

Yeah, on the lea the rising wind blows
Yeah, on the lea the rising wind blows
How long? How long?

Here alone on the grounds of allegiances
We've left behind
Turned back by the foot of the doorway
Never lost and found

We've been too long American dreaming
I think we've all lost the heart
Forlorn somnambulistic maniacal
In the dark

Yeah, on the lea the rising wind blows
Yeah, on the lea the rising wind blows
How long? How long?
Comments (557)add comment
 pyrateparadox988 wrote:


Your classism is showing. "Redneck" is a soft slur most often used by snobbish elitists against a maligned group of Backwood White Folk, mockingly known as Poor White Trash and Hillbillies - all descriptions Degrading to a disadvantaged and disregarded people. Descendants of Coal Miners, Factory Workers, discarded War Veterans and Indentured Servants (Yeah, Euro Slaves) - who have been systemically abused and neglected once their services were no longer needed and their jobs shipped overseas. Among other societal injustices... 
Is that really you, or the politician you're deriding ... ?

In a Music Station comment section?

( During a Dead Can Dance song no less?! )


I didn't think so. 


TDS is a powerful drug. 


Opposing Trump and everything he stands for is the opposite of derangement.
 Signwrtr61 wrote:

As a bit of a redneck myself, I don't really take offense as, the moron certainly is that!! But, even leaving the redneck part out, there are multitudes of adjectives that could be used in place of it!! I'll keep the vulgarities to myself. Stump is about as useful as used t.p.!! Sucha loser!!


Your classism is showing. "Redneck" is a soft slur most often used by snobbish elitists against a maligned group of Backwood White Folk, mockingly known as Poor White Trash and Hillbillies - all descriptions Degrading to a disadvantaged and disregarded people. Descendants of Coal Miners, Factory Workers, discarded War Veterans and Indentured Servants (Yeah, Euro Slaves) - who have been systemically abused and neglected once their services were no longer needed and their jobs shipped overseas. Among other societal injustices... 
Is that really you, or the politician you're deriding ... ?

In a Music Station comment section?

( During a Dead Can Dance song no less?! )


I didn't think so. 


TDS is a powerful drug. 
 cptbuz wrote:

If Neil Diamond and Eddie Vedder were combined into one singer... this guy.



This
+1 for successfully using the word "somnambulistic" in a rock song.
Brendan Perry is a musical genius and as for Lisa…it’s hard to describe her voice because words seem inadequate.  Such beautiful music.
They are so good they knock your socks off.
 chinaski wrote:

So disappointed that Covid has knocked them off the touring track for three years now. Every time tix went on sale I'd buy 'em and inevitably the tours cancelled. Maybe late 2023 or 2024 will bring them to the US again. 



Exact same scenario - I've had tickets 2x only to have the shows cancelled. So disappointing. They are amazing live, hopefully patience pays off.
A 7 for the highest usage of SAT vocabulary examples.
If Neil Diamond and Eddie Vedder were combined into one singer... this guy.
 On_The_Beach wrote:


i hear it too.  

my goodness, i like this one more and more each time it is played here on RP.
 westslope wrote:

Wow.  

This follows up really well to PT's Lips of Ashes.



yes! looks like the playlist is in tact for the last 3 months. i'll take it.
I think any song with 'somnambulistic' and 'surreptitious' in the lyrics has to be worth at least an 8
Wow.  

This follows up really well to PT's Lips of Ashes.
So disappointed that Covid has knocked them off the touring track for three years now. Every time tix went on sale I'd buy 'em and inevitably the tours cancelled. Maybe late 2023 or 2024 will bring them to the US again. 
We've been too long American dreaming
I think we've all lost the heart
Forlorn somnambulistic maniacal
In the dark

Rating notes: +1 for being amazingly insightful and emotive lyrics, and another +1 on account of the use of "somnambulistic."
 xrdstv wrote:

I ran out of room... Every time I hear this I bump it up a notch... 10 is max I guess.

You can turn it up to "11" in your head.  

BRUUUUUUUCE!!!!!!!!!!!
Any song by Aussies that say:" Forlorn somnambulistic maniacal" 
is sick (awesome) ~ says an American girl loved by an Aussie dude
Love 💗 it
I ran out of room... Every time I hear this I bump it up a notch... 10 is max I guess.

The use of somnambulistic proves 'sycophants can dance' too. 
Eddie's vocal style is to roll marbles in his mouth while singing.  
 SpencerAR wrote:
All this time, I thought it was Eddie Vedder performing solo!  
Very cool tune that's grown on me over time.



 On_The_Beach wrote:



Neil Diamond 
 SpencerAR wrote:
All this time, I thought it was Eddie Vedder performing solo!  
Very cool tune that's grown on me over time.


Really?  I think this voice is much better than anything Eddie ever did.  I like Eddie/PJ but Brendan is on a different level.
I thought it was a Pearl Jam song.
A  cover of  them shortly in this web site.
Did you hear me Mr Webber?
Timmus, Spencer, I love you too.
Long live to RP!
I can easily see this being in the soundtrack of "Into The Wild".  It's got that majestic post-grunge Eddie Vedder sound.
All this time, I thought it was Eddie Vedder performing solo!  
Very cool tune that's grown on me over time.
Thank you for playing this song today, I needed to hear it! So gorgeous.
 tinypriest wrote:

The people did elect him. Who else? Voting is all you have. If you don't vote, you've given up. Don't tell people to give up on their last resort, just because you have.

Irrespective of that 2016 story, you have four boxes in defense of liberty. You may of course forego liberty. Please "vote" wisely.
 mjbaumann wrote:


Can we PLEASE leave Politics out of our enjoyment of RP? Thanks in advance.



Seriously.  
 kingart wrote:

Never more true than the day after Nov. 8., 2016. 

We've been too long American dreaming
I think we've all lost the heart
Forlorn somnambulistic maniacal
In the dark

Theme music for the scene where the nation collectively injects the next dose of poison into its fucking veins.
 




Enjoying that next dose?
 mjbaumann wrote:


Can we PLEASE leave Politics out of our enjoyment of RP? Thanks in advance.


Why?  Musicians don't.  Your welcome. 
Reading comments on this song gives rise to a new definition of PSD:
Politics Suck, Definitely

I'm still needing to hear the full album , could help me go 8 to 9 on this one.

Long Live RP and Dreaming (American or otherwise)!!
 Kaisersosay wrote:

wow, I was enjoying this song until I saw this nice little comment. Guess the current national poisonous atmosphere of discourse has reached its bottom here in RP as well. 



Could RP listeners become a cure for Twitter Venom,? As the disease progresses, they spew on whoever and wherever they are and not just Twitter.  Luckily, those infected eventually succumb to the venom they spew on others, but only when exposed as infected by "TV".
 RabbitEars wrote:

I always think it's Neil Diamond.


Yes - the timbre of their voices are almost identical. 
 Pioneer_Sing wrote:
I always think this is Pearl Jam when it comes on.
 
I always think it's Neil Diamond.
 greiffenstein wrote:


James Joyce called it "the ineluctable modality of the audible"

I could never really understand that ridiculous book (Ulysses), but have waited a long time to be able to use that particular phrase in a conversation.  Thank you, n4ku, you've made my week 

Aginbite of inwit?

Tony in NJ
W.AS.S.T.E.
 

 n4ku wrote:

What has been heard cannot be unheard. Still love the song.
 
Sometimes I really think we should not have to see visuals here. I listen to radio (and oddly enough work in radio and come here to escape the corporate 'dictates' of my job) to let the images fill my head. Not images dictating thoughts.. Just saying... oh, this excludes the slide show. I like that. ;-)
I always think this is Pearl Jam when it comes on.
Singing along right now.  Agnes Obel opens for them here at the Anthem April 24th. Can't wait.
 n4ku wrote:

What has been heard cannot be unheard. Still love the song.
 

James Joyce called it "the ineluctable modality of the audible"

I could never really understand that ridiculous book (Ulysses), but have waited a long time to be able to use that particular phrase in a conversation.  Thank you, n4ku, you've made my week 
 tinypriest wrote:

The people did elect him. Who else? 
 
He 'lost' by 3 million popular votes, he 'won' by the electoral college. The people did not elect him.
 Signwrtr61 wrote:
 Triquel67 wrote:

yeah about that, the people didn't elect him, the electoral college did
Correct. But, vote.....yeah, right. Never have, never will. As long as us taxpayers have to keep footing the bill for healthcare of past and present politicians, and, they keep lieing as they all do, I'll not ever even bother registering. Pointless. All the lies to GET the office go out the window, as soon as they are sworn in. The current state of worldly affairs has not all been brought on by natural catastrophies... Mostly been due to corrupt politicians worldwide. From local, right on up to country "leaders". And I use that term loosely. Leaders lead....supposedly, to greater societal merit. Don't recall seeing much greater societies evolve in my 60yrs!!

 
The people did elect him. Who else? Voting is all you have. If you don't vote, you've given up. Don't tell people to give up on their last resort, just because you have.


Posted 3 years ago by Ipse_Dixit:

     Is Bill trying to help us heal after the election? {#Ask}
 
Probably. And he just played it again, 3  1/2 years later, just before the next one.
 diannemck56 wrote:



I don't believe our country is Trump . He is just the person too many people voted for. The heart of our country is still great. Let's keep the faith that things will get better and VOTE!!!
Key word in what you say....FAITH. Faith in God, NOT politicians. It's been more politicians destroying this planet, than any natural catastrophies. And, the day I vote, won't be until us taxpayers no longer foot the bill for past and present politicians/families healthcare. All crying about the cost of healthcare but, never a word about the fact that WE all pay those tabs!! 
 mjbaumann wrote:


Can we PLEASE leave Politics out of our enjoyment of RP? Thanks in advance.
Wish we could leave politics where it belongs....in a landfill somewhere. Right along with all the lieing, greedy politicians! 

 Triquel67 wrote:

yeah about that, the people didn't elect him, the electoral college did
Correct. But, vote.....yeah, right. Never have, never will. As long as us taxpayers have to keep footing the bill for healthcare of past and present politicians, and, they keep lieing as they all do, I'll not ever even bother registering. Pointless. All the lies to GET the office go out the window, as soon as they are sworn in. The current state of worldly affairs has not all been brought on by natural catastrophies... Mostly been due to corrupt politicians worldwide. From local, right on up to country "leaders". And I use that term loosely. Leaders lead....supposedly, to greater societal merit. Don't recall seeing much greater societies evolve in my 60yrs!!

 Triquel67 wrote:

yeah about that, the people didn't elect him, the electoral college did
 

 dangoebel wrote:


As a redneck, I take offense to that statement  hmmmpphh!
 
As a bit of a redneck myself, I don't really take offense as, the moron certainly is that!! But, even leaving the redneck part out, there are multitudes of adjectives that could be used in place of it!! I'll keep the vulgarities to myself. Stump is about as useful as used t.p.!! Sucha loser!!
The best!
Too long American dreaming indeed. We’re in the shits now. Wake up.
My favorite DCD tune. Give it a 7
 dangoebel wrote:


As a redneck, I take offense to that statement  hmmmpphh!
 

Can we PLEASE leave Politics out of our enjoyment of RP? Thanks in advance.
Bruuuuuse!
Just love this song.
Covid postponed the Agnes Obel / Dead Can Dance US tour for an entire year. I have to wait until next April to see them. Tix will still be valid too.
Dead Can Dance is so versatile! I've heard some play from Hearts of Space... Bill knows what I'm saying.  Very Unique!  Thanks Bill
I want this song to gel. It wor't, I kow.
 diannemck56 wrote:



I don't believe our country is Trump . He is just the person too many people voted for. The heart of our country is still great. Let's keep the faith that things will get better and VOTE!!!
 
yeah about that, the people didn't elect him, the electoral college did
I saw these guys in London a few months ago. I love Brendan's voice in this song, but Liza Gerrard is spectacular. She sounds amazing live.
 dangoebel wrote:


As a redneck, I take offense to that statement  hmmmpphh!


 


I don't believe our country is Trump . He is just the person too many people voted for. The heart of our country is still great. Let's keep the faith that things will get better and VOTE!!!
I agree, Neil Diamond
Sounds Hootie and the Blowfish-y.

(Thumbs down it all you want, it sounds like Hootie et al. The voice. )
 On_The_Beach wrote:
https://foodandwinehedonist.files.wordpress.com/2011/08/neil-balls.jpg
 
God no. Please don't insult DCD.
 VH1 wrote:
rdo
(DC)
Posted: Mar 16, 2013 - 14:59
 

{#Cheers}  Here's to the United States of America, the greatest country on the planet! 

What planet Dear? Sureley not this one! Donald Trump Country? You're joking right? 

{#Lol} A country in which a degenerated moron red neck lunatic can be president is deffo NOT the greatest country on the planet, Love. Its the absolute opposite of great Dearie!
A perfect 10 for Dead Can Dance! {#Clap}


 

As a redneck, I take offense to that statement  hmmmpphh!
Neil Diamond!?!?!?
BRUUUCE!!! Oh wait, sorry
 danfl75 wrote:

Emotions have led us astray, and we need to find a way out of our divisiveness. More in person conversations would be a good start. Let's leave angry comments in the past too, even if they still apply, especially if they do. I agree with your sentiment and wish that RP be a refuge from all that. Time will heal us if we let it.
 
This is a great song on many levels, an easy 9 from me. Love RP!
 

Agreed on all counts, Have a great Day
the chimes if freedom, ally..
 Shipp wrote:
I find the singer's barking up the wrong tree. That's my opinion, from Denmark where we see the picture from a different angle.
 
looks like bells to me
 danfl75 wrote:

Emotions have led us astray, and we need to find a way out of our divisiveness. More in person conversations would be a good start. Let's leave angry comments in the past too, even if they still apply, especially if they do. I agree with your sentiment and wish that RP be a refuge from all that. Time will heal us if we let it.
 
This is a great song on many levels, an easy 9 from me. Love RP!
 

I find the singer's barking up the wrong tree. That's my opinion, from Denmark where we see the picture from a different angle.
Love DCD but this song... Meh
 Lazarus wrote:
 

Holy cow, sounds like mine and wifey's little New Year's party last night in Copenhagen ...well perhaps sans plural 'womens', I should state for the record

On the heels of an exceptional dinner, we retreated to our corner suite with some bubbles, dancing (bowlegged and all that) to RP's rock track while people were blowing the city to kingdom come with fireworks in the town square below.

@Bill & Rebecca, thanks for providing the tunes to make the end of this year extra special for us.
Kind of like if Darius Rucker sang Nine Inch Nails. 
 Jamus wrote:
 Kaisersosay wrote:


wow, I was enjoying this song until I saw this nice little comment. Guess the current national poisonous atmosphere of discourse has reached its bottom here in RP as well. 

  
Where did you catch your closed mind sfyi2001? It sounds as though you have a very serious case of divisiveness. Too bad that you assume the right to spew forth such vitriol on this otherwise kind blog.



 
It's funny when you don't include the original post. I saw my name and said,, oh god what did I say that time,,,,,? What stupid thing did I say to cause a fuss? 

Nope, it was just some other person who was being silly that someone else was replying to.  Phewww , that was a close one.  

I still love that song though.  
too funny
On_The_Beach wrote:https://foodandwinehedonist.files.wordpress.com/2011/08/neil-balls.jpg

  
What has been heard cannot be unheard. Still love the song.
 Kaisersosay wrote:

wow, I was enjoying this song until I saw this nice little comment. Guess the current national poisonous atmosphere of discourse has reached its bottom here in RP as well. 
  
Where did you catch your closed mind sfyi2001? It sounds as though you have a very serious case of divisiveness. Too bad that you assume the right to spew forth such vitriol on this otherwise kind blog.


 Kaisersosay wrote:

wow, I was enjoying this song until I saw this nice little comment. Guess the current national poisonous atmosphere of discourse has reached its bottom here in RP as well. 
 
Emotions have led us astray, and we need to find a way out of our divisiveness. More in person conversations would be a good start. Let's leave angry comments in the past too, even if they still apply, especially if they do. I agree with your sentiment and wish that RP be a refuge from all that. Time will heal us if we let it.
 
This is a great song on many levels, an easy 9 from me. Love RP!
I love that part at the end where one person in the audience squeals loudly before everyone else starts cheering. {#Shifty}
This feels like a prelude to some sort of concept album. Not fully formed in itself, but letting us know something's coming. Kinda like "Captain Walker didn't come home. His unborn son will never know him...."
 sfyi2001 wrote:


   MILLIONS, upon MILLIONS, upon MILLIONS of proud Americans, including myself, think JUST the opposite. FACT.

                                    When you say "WE'VE ALL" you become exactly what you hate,  a LIAR.


THAT is what's poison, and the millions upon millions I mentioned would like to see YOU inject it into YOUR 'fucking veins'.

{#Crown}




 
wow, I was enjoying this song until I saw this nice little comment. Guess the current national poisonous atmosphere of discourse has reached its bottom here in RP as well. 
DITTO MORE THAN EVER NOW! 
kingart wrote:
Never more true than the day after Nov. 8., 2016. 

We've been too long American dreaming
I think we've all lost the heart
Forlorn somnambulistic maniacal
In the dark

Theme music for the scene where the nation collectively injects the next dose of poison into its fucking veins.
 

 

 kingart wrote:
Never more true than the day after Nov. 8., 2016. 

We've been too long American dreaming
I think we've all lost the heart
Forlorn somnambulistic maniacal
In the dark

Theme music for the scene where the nation collectively injects the next dose of poison into its fucking veins.
 


How long, how long?


From all their rich and beautiful  catalogue of songs, you had to pick this very average one? Why?
I had to go back this morning and listen again.... that strange, thin, connector with chords that don't go together..... and then he solos over it! Too much for me to take. Bad writing! Good singing. 
Great song . .the preceding song on the CD goes well with it..like an intro   (I can see now)
 zedstation wrote:
Neil Diamond Can Dance

 
Bruce can Dance.
 coloradojohn wrote:
I love how they seem to hit some Universal resonances, yet they are laying down a truly unique sound. Mystical, exciting, raw, bluesy...

 
Very well said CO John!  And with that need to bump up a notch to "10". 
11
I thought Hootie was a country artist now.
Neil Diamond Can Dance
He has played this one several times since the superbowl. I do like this song. Great voice.
 yeshetarchin wrote:
God bless America!

 
Yes, yes.  Clearly we need that blessing now more than ever.

The new American sleepwalker appears to have gotten into the bottle of the original formulation Ambien...and is stumbling through the world before having even gone to work for Day 1.
 On_The_Beach wrote:
https://foodandwinehedonist.files.wordpress.com/2011/08/neil-balls.jpg

 
What has been heard cannot be unheard. Still love the song.
I've been trying to associated the sound of the lead singer with a name. 
No wonder I couldn't - I totally blocked out Neil Diamond.  
 Not a compliment IMO.
 On_The_Beach wrote:
https://foodandwinehedonist.files.wordpress.com/2011/08/neil-balls.jpg

 

That is spot on.  This is a great song, as is Mr Diamond an awesome singer and song writer.
{#Roflol}

{#Arrowd}
God bless America!
More like send another message
Never more true than the day after Nov. 8., 2016. 

We've been too long American dreaming
I think we've all lost the heart
Forlorn somnambulistic maniacal
In the dark

Theme music for the scene where the nation collectively injects the next dose of poison into its fucking veins.
 
Is Bill trying to help us heal after the election? {#Ask}
Excellent song to open a Sunday morning… 
I love how they seem to hit some Universal resonances, yet they are laying down a truly unique sound. Mystical, exciting, raw, bluesy...
 fedtho wrote:
I've discovered RP some three years ago and never asked myself how long they had been around.
When I scrolled down the hundreds of comments for this one tune and saw I was soon in 2012, I got curious and scrolled all the way down to the last/first one: *Apr. 30th 2002* !!! Wow, that's almost to the day 12 years ago {#Cheers} !

So, as a tribute to RP and shouting " TELVE MORE YEARS ! " (I still don't know when RP actually went on air first, shame on me), here's the very first comment posted about 'American Dreaming' (I know this is kind of childish and not very meaningful, but I still feel like doing it!)

clotho39 wrote (on Apr 30th 2002):
Dead Can Dance is one of my favorite musical ensembles. Their song styles are incredibly varied and never boring, and they use some of the oddest instrumental combinations I've ever heard. Not to mention Lisa Gerard (who *doesn't* sing on this song) has the most incredible voice I know of.

 
{#Cheers}
 VH1 wrote:
rdo
(DC)
Posted: Mar 16, 2013 - 14:59
 

{#Cheers}  Here's to the United States of America, the greatest country on the planet! 

What planet Dear? Sureley not this one! Donald Trump Country? You're joking right? {#Lol} A country in which a degenerated moron red neck lunatic can be president is deffo NOT the greatest country on the planet, Love. Its the absolute opposite of great Dearie!
A perfect 10 for Dead Can Dance! {#Clap}



 
1) Not everybody in the USA supports Trump.
2) "...the absolute opposite of great..." — Hardly, SWEETIE !
3) Why should we consider the OPINION of someone who doesn't even live on this planet ?
    Proxima Centauri, indeed !!
 
Surreptitious? Somnambulistic? Ugh.
rdo
(DC)
Posted: Mar 16, 2013 - 14:59
 

{#Cheers}  Here's to the United States of America, the greatest country on the planet! 

What planet Dear? Sureley not this one! Donald Trump Country? You're joking right? {#Lol} A country in which a degenerated moron red neck lunatic can be president is deffo NOT the greatest country on the planet, Love. Its the absolute opposite of great Dearie!
A perfect 10 for Dead Can Dance! {#Clap}


 leafmold wrote:
The overbearing, pompous male equivalent of Alanis Morissette.

 

Indeed.


 Proclivities wrote:

His voice reminds me more of Neil Diamond's than Springsteen's (at least in some parts).  I guess it's just that deep baritone sound.

 
Yes, Diamond-like!  love this 
 MiloD wrote:
these two are pioneers…

 
Indeed - BRILLIANT and INSPIRING.  Ethereal to be really accurate!
these two are pioneers…
At the mention of honesty, conscience and maniacal sleepwalking Americans you turn offensive.  Are you saying that a state of denial and inaction toward the destruction of this planet is not a morally inferior position?

Here, we have a song that encompasses the social, the political and the personal of our circumstance, then you distance yourself from it.  Indeed, "How long? How long?".
 leafmold wrote:
The overbearing, pompous male equivalent of Alanis Morissette.

 
Kinda sounds like Eddie Vedder... which pretty much applies to your comment as well. 
 leafmold wrote:
The overbearing, pompous male equivalent of Alanis Morissette.

 
Spot on!
The overbearing, pompous male equivalent of Alanis Morissette.
<3
 
 rev_cletus wrote:

How sanctimonious...  

 

Yes, it is most definitely that, too.