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 there
You never looked better than tonight And it’d be so easy to tell ya I’d stay Like I’ve done so many timesI was so sure this would be the night
You’d close the door and want to stay with me And it’d be so easy to tell ya I’ll stay Like I’ve done so many timesDon’t fall in love with a dreamer
‘Cause he’ll always take you in Just when you think you’ve really changed him He’ll leave you again Don’t fall in love with a dreamer ‘Cause he’ll break you every time Oh, put out the light, just hold on Before we say goodbyeNow it’s mornin’ and the phone rings
And you say you’ve gotta get your things together You just gotta leave before ya change your mindAnd if ya knew what I was thinkin’, girl
I’d turn around if you’d just ask me one more timeDon’t fall in love with a dreamer
‘Cause he’ll always take you in Just when you think you’ve really changed him He’ll leave you again Don’t fall in love with a dreamer ‘Cause he’ll break you every time Oh, put out the light, just hold on Before we say goodbye Before we say goodbye Goodbye