The song "Sweet Dream" by John Hiatt and Jerry Douglas tells the story of a person reflecting on their past and longing to revisit a place from their memories. The lyrics evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing. The song begins with the narrator reminiscing about eating honey from the Catskills, a region in New York known for its natural beauty. This act triggers thoughts of someone they miss and haven't seen in a long time. The narrator admits that they are long overdue for a visit to that place. The lyrics mention a hollow that the narrator is finding it hard to leave, emphasizing their deep ancestral ties. The reference to their family being there for two hundred years further highlights the stronger connection they feel towards that place. The narrator then describes an experience of hitchhiking on Bear Mountain, a location known for its hiking trails and scenic views. They emphasize the darkness and lack of headlights, creating a sense of isolation and uncertainty. Despite the hardships, they recall the starry night and how it moved them to tears. The lyrics continue with the narrator getting a ride with a shoe salesman who rarely takes that route due to the construction of a new road. This suggests that the narrator is taking a less-traveled path, which might metaphorically represent their unconventional or unconventional life choices. The song acknowledges that traveling has gotten harder with time, perhaps symbolizing the challenges and difficulties the narrator has faced throughout their life. However, they believe that they can endure these hardships for a little while longer until their sweet dream or longing disappears. The narrator reminisces about a time when they slept by the side of the road in New Jersey, feeling the cold and thinking about the warm heart of the person they miss. This contrast between physical discomfort and emotional warmth further illustrates the depth of their longing. The final verses of the song mention staying in luxurious hotels with crystal chandeliers, highlighting the material comforts the narrator has experienced. However, they still yearn for the simple pleasures and memories associated with the Catskills. The song concludes with the narrator acknowledging the longevity of their relationship with the person they miss and expressing a desire to visit that place one more time before their sweet dream fades away. Overall, "Sweet Dream" explores themes of longing, memories, and the yearning to revisit a significant place from the past. It captures the emotional journey of the narrator as they reflect on their experiences and strive to hold onto a fading dream.
