"Dream Police" by Cheap Trick

Watch out for Cheap Trick's "Dream Police," their epic 1979 power pop masterpiece! This hard rock infused track, featuring ambitious orchestral arrangements, became a signature song from the hit album of the same name. Experience the paranoid energy and driving beat of this imaginative classic.

Released as a single on August 11, 1979, ahead of the highly anticipated album bearing its title, Cheap Trick's "Dream Police" showcased their unique blend of infectious power pop melodies and hard rock muscle. The song's distinctive sound was significantly enhanced by dramatic orchestral string arrangements, creating a grand, slightly surreal, and instantly memorable listening experience that became a major chart hit.

"Dream Police" stands as one of Cheap Trick's most iconic and ambitious hits from 1979, known for Rick Nielsen's powerful guitar, Robin Zander's versatile vocals, and its compelling paranoid theme. This power pop gem, built on a solid hard rock foundation but elevated by sophisticated production, perfectly captured the band's quirky yet potent musical identity, remaining a beloved fan favorite.

SONG MEANING: "Dream Police" uses the central metaphor of an imaginary police force to represent the internal anxieties, uncontrollable thoughts, and paranoia that can invade one's mind, particularly during sleep or stressful moments ("The dream police, they live inside of my head / The dream police, they come to me in my bed"). It personifies these intrusive mental processes as an inescapable authority monitoring and controlling one's psyche.