Introduction
A poignant ballad about the realization that some dreams are unattainable without a loved one.
“I Can’t Live a Dream” is a poignant ballad by The Osmonds, released in September 1976 as the lead single from their album Brainstorm. Written by Arnold Capitanelli, the song was initially recorded by Frankie Valli in 1975 for his solo album Closeup. The Osmonds’ rendition marked a stylistic shift from their earlier bubblegum pop sound to a more mature and introspective tone, reflecting the evolving musical landscape of the mid-1970s
The track features Merrill Osmond on lead vocals, delivering heartfelt lyrics that express the sorrow of unfulfilled dreams and the longing for a lost love. Lines like “No, I can’t live a dream, any more than I could move a mountain” encapsulate the song’s theme of confronting the harsh realities of life without a cherished partner. The arrangement combines gentle instrumentation with rich harmonies, creating an atmosphere of melancholy and reflection
Upon its release, “I Can’t Live a Dream” achieved moderate chart success. In the United States, it reached number 46 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 38 on the Easy Listening chart. In Canada, it peaked at number 50 on the RPM Top Singles chart and number 35 on the Adult Contemporary chart. The song also found an audience in the United Kingdom, reaching number 37 on the UK Singles Chart. Notably, it became the final top-100 pop hit for The Osmonds in their classic lineup, marking the end of an era for the group.
“I Can’t Live a Dream” stands as a testament to The Osmonds’ versatility and their ability to convey deep emotional resonance through music. Its enduring appeal lies in its universal message about the fragility of dreams and the profound impact of love and loss.
Video
Lyrics: I Can’t Live A Dream
The day that you moved away, life was so empty
All I had left was your memory
Living, it seems, what was left was a dream
A dream of the way it used to beBut I can’t live a dream
Any more than I could live forever, any more than I could
Climb a mountain to the sun
No, I can’t live a dream
Any more than I could move a mountain, any more than I
Could live my life without you
Can’t live, no I can’t live
No I can’t live, no, no
All of the things I’ve done, leaving me lonely
All of the nights missing you only
Why spend my time with one thing on my mind?
Just closing my eyes, dreaming of you
But I can’t live a dream
Any more than I could live forever, any more than I could
Climb a mountain to the sun
I can’t live a dream
Any more than I could live forever any more than I could
Climb a mountain to the sun
No, I can’t live a dream
Any more than I could move a mountain