Afraid To Dream
Artie Shaw · Other Songs - Artie Shaw
Here we are, bidding the stardust adieu
Soon you'll be lost in the glory of dreams
Yet, my lovely one, strange as it seems
I'm afraid to dream
Afraid that you may not be there
Afraid to dream without you it would seem so bare
With open arms I call to you, I want you, dear
Just as I reach for you why do you disappear?
Afraid to dream
I'll see you there with someone new
Afraid to find another one caressing you
Although you promised me that this could never be
It's the thought of losing you that makes me so
Afraid to dream
I'm afraid to dream
Afraid that you may not be there
Afraid to dream without you it would seem so bare
With open arms I call to you, I want you, dear
Just as I reach for you why do you disappear?
Afraid to dream
I'll see you there with someone new
Afraid to find another one caressing you
Although you promised me that this could never be
It's the thought of losing you that makes me so
Afraid To Dream - Artie Shaw
Artie Shaw's 'Afraid To Dream' stands as a quintessential example of the swing era's sophisticated jazz-pop fusion. Recorded during the late 1940s, the track showcases Shaw's mastery of the clarinet, blending bebop influences with the polished, danceable rhythms that defined his career. The composition, often associated with the 'Other Songs' catalog due to its standalone release history, reflects the transitional musical landscape where traditional big band arrangements began to incorporate more complex harmonic structures. Shaw's distinctive tone and rhythmic precision drive the piece, making it a staple of his discography that captures the optimism and technical prowess of American jazz in its golden age. The song remains a significant song in his catalog, illustrating his ability to craft memorable melodies that appealed to both club audiences and radio listeners.