Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This) is the title of a song recorded by the British group Eurythmics. The song was written by group members Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart and when released as a single gave them their commercial breakthrough worldwide. The duo would go on to enjoy a long series of hit singles and albums throughout the 1980s and into 1990. Mostly played on electronic instruments, augmented by Lennox's soulful vocal, the song has become a classic of the 80s 'synth-pop' genre although the group moved to a more traditional rock/pop oriented style afterwards.
Single release
Released in late 1982, the single was the fourth track to be taken from the eponymous parent album, itself released in early 1983. Previous tracks This Is the House, The Walk and Love Is a Stranger had failed to break the UK charts although the latter did become a hit on being re-released after Sweet Dreams.
Chart performance
Eurythmics - Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) -The Tube 1983-
The single first made the UK Top 40 on 15 February 1983, debuting at N38. It moved up to N23 the following week when it was featured on Top of the Pops for the first time, resulting in a sixteen-place leap the following week to N5, eventually reaching its peak position of N2 two weeks later (outsold only by Bonnie Tyler's Total Eclipse of the Heart). Success of the single was also fuelled by a UK tour and a notable promo video which was greatly circulated at the time. Eurythmics also performed the song live on Channel 4's The Tube on 25 February 1983.
Debuting in the US Hot 100 at N90 in May 1983, the single eventually made it to N1 for one week in September after spending four weeks at N2 (outsold by Every Breath You Take, replaced by Maniac).
Tracklisting
UK 7"
A. Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This)
B. I Could Give You (A Mirror)
UK 12"
A. Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This)
B1. I Could Give You (A Mirror)
B2. Baby's Gone Blue
Track notes
- the 7" track is the same as the album version, approx 3:36. The 12" carries an extended version with an approx. timing of 4:48.
- writing credits to all songs are given to Stewart-Lennox. 7" & 12" sleeves also bear te inscription 'Dave & Annie' as well as a photo of the two group members.
- Neither B-sides feature on the Sweet Dreams album.
Alternative versions
- live version on Live 1983 - 1989 (1993)
- Steve Angello remix (2005)
Cover versions
- Marilyn Manson - on Smells Like Children album (1995)
External links
- Eurythmics: how we made Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) in theguardian.com 11.12.2017
- Song lyrics and feature in Smash Hits (03.03.1983) [1] [2]