From the beginning, ‘All I Did Was Dream Of You' reveals itself as an emotionally nostalgic haze, with guitars providing a gentle melody behind her voice, as if they are floating. The single is not a dramatic heartbreak, but instead a genuine ache of nostalgia and longing, highlighting raw emotional vulnerability. It displays the tenderness of lingering memories and their prominence to stay long after someone is gone.
The song's patience continues throughout the chorus, as it does not build up to a big chorus, but simply floats. Beabadoobee produces an intimate delivery of emotionally charged lyrics, “Stay, stay or just leave”, as the guitars in the background also become more paced. It feels like a dream you cannot quite fully remember but also cannot shake off. The lyrics also have a hint of restraint to them, as they circle around a quiet longing, which will never be acted on, highlighting the duality of not knowing what you really want.
There’s a clear influence from The María’s, whose signature slow-burn sound adds another layer of emotional dreaminess to the song, as frontwoman María Zardoya is recognised for having a whispery tone, perfectly blending into the dreamlike state the song portrays. Lyrically, both capture a dreamy melancholy, while also representing a nature of duality, “But I let go (instead I love in denial)”, as Zardoya represents the inability to let go, meanwhile beabadoobee holds onto the idea of convincing yourself you have let go.
Overall, ‘All I Did Was Dream of You’, is a softly emotional return, showcasing beabadoobee’s more gentle songwriting, blending the lines between reality and a dream-like state, perfecting the art of tenderly longing for someone. The raw touch of reality from The María’s adds another level of emotional depth to the song, blending both of their talents perfectly together.
Eve Smith
Image: ‘All I Did Was Dream Of You’ Official Image