About the song
Background of “Don’t Fall in Love with a Dreamer”
- Released in 1980 as the lead single from Kenny Rogers’ album Gideon.
- Written by Kim Carnes and her husband David Ellingson.
- It was the only duet on the album, featuring Kim Carnes singing alongside Kenny Rogers.
- The song was a major hit, reaching #3 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, #2 on the Adult Contemporary chart, and #4 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Themes in “Don’t Fall in Love with a Dreamer”
The central theme is the tension between love and practicality. The song tells the story of a restless dreamer (sung by Rogers) and the woman who loves him (sung by Carnes).
- The Dreamer’s Internal Conflict: The “dreamer” knows his lifestyle isn’t stable and fears hurting the woman. He warns her not to fall in love with him because he can’t offer her the security she deserves.
- The Woman’s Hope and Doubt: Despite the warnings, the woman is deeply attached to the dreamer and clings to hope for a future together.
- Sacrifice and Letting Go: The song explores the bittersweet reality of sometimes having to let go of someone you love for their own good.
The duet format adds another layer, highlighting the push and pull between the characters’ desires.
Video
Lyrics
Just look at you sitting thereYou never looked better than tonightAnd it’d be so easy to tell ya I’d stayLike I’ve done so many times
I was so sure this would be the nightYou’d close the door and want to stay with meAnd it’d be so easy to tell ya I’ll stayLike I’ve done so many times
Don’t fall in love with a dreamer‘Cause he’ll always take you inJust when you think you’ve really changed himHe’ll leave you againDon’t fall in love with a dreamer‘Cause he’ll break you every timeOh, put out the light, just hold onBefore we say goodbye
Now it’s mornin’ and the phone ringsAnd you say you’ve gotta get your things togetherYou just gotta leave before ya change your mind
And if ya knew what I was thinkin’, girlI’d turn around if you’d just ask me one more time
Don’t fall in love with a dreamer‘Cause he’ll always take you inJust when you think you’ve really changed himHe’ll leave you againDon’t fall in love with a dreamer‘Cause he’ll break you every timeOh, put out the light, just hold onBefore we say goodbyeBefore we say goodbyeGoodbye