Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) - Eurythmics
Input
Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) is a song by the British pop duo Eurythmics, released as a single in January 1983. It is the title track of their second album, which was released in the same year. The song became their breakthrough hit, establishing the duo worldwide. Its music video helped to propel the song to number 2 on the UK Singles Chart and number 1 on the US Billboard Hot 100. It was the fourth single to be released from their 1983 album of the same name and was written by members Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart.
Background and Composition
The song is known for its distinctive synthesizer riff, played by Stewart. The lyrics, written by Lennox, detail the quest for fulfillment and the desire for power. "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)" is one of the Eurythmics' most iconic songs, showcasing their innovative use of technology and imagery in music.
Reception and Legacy
Upon release, the song received mixed reviews from music critics but has since been acclaimed as a classic. It has been covered and sampled by numerous artists and has appeared in various films, television shows, and advertisements, reflecting its long-standing popularity and influence in pop culture.
Music Video
The music video, directed by Chris Ashbrook and the Eurythmics, became one of the most iconic videos of the 1980s. It features Lennox and Stewart in a variety of settings, including a boardroom and a field with a cow, which has become one of the video's most famous images.
Interactive Tasks
Quiz: Questions on the song
What year was "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)" released as a single? (1983) (!1982) (!1984) (!1985)
Which British pop duo performed "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)"? (Eurythmics) (!Tears for Fears) (!Pet Shop Boys) (!Wham!)
What is the distinctive feature of "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)"? (Synthesizer riff) (!Guitar solo) (!Drum solo) (!A cappella performance)
What was the song's highest chart position on the US Billboard Hot 100? (Number 1) (!Number 2) (!Top 10) (!Top 5)
In which year was the album of the same name as the song released? (1983) (!1982) (!1984) (!1981)
Quiz: Questions on the Performer
Who are the members of Eurythmics? (Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart) (!Annie Lennox and Peter Gabriel) (!Dave Stewart and Phil Collins) (!Simon Le Bon and Nick Rhodes)
Which member of Eurythmics wrote the lyrics for "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)"? (Annie Lennox) (!Dave Stewart) (!Both Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart) (!Neither)
In what decade did Eurythmics achieve widespread fame? (1980s) (!1970s) (!1990s) (!2000s)
What is a notable feature of Eurythmics' music? (Innovative use of technology) (!Acoustic guitar focus) (!Heavy metal influences) (!Jazz fusion)
What genre of music is Eurythmics primarily associated with? (Pop) (!Rock) (!Country) (!Jazz)
Quiz: Questions on the lyrics
What theme is prominent in the lyrics of "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)"? (Quest for fulfillment) (!Love and romance) (!Social injustice) (!Environmental issues)
How does the song start lyrically? ("Sweet dreams are made of this") (!"I travel the world and the seven seas") (!"Everybody's looking for something") (!"Some of them want to use you")
Which line follows "Some of them want to use you"? ("Some of them want to get used by you") (!"Some of them want to abuse you") (!"Some of them want to be abused") (!"Sweet dreams are made of this")
What do the lyrics of "Sweet Dreams" suggest about the pursuit of power? (It can be a double-edged sword) (!It's always positive) (!It's unattainable) (!It's not worth pursuing)
Which phrase is repeated throughout the song? ("Sweet dreams are made of this") (!"I travel the world and the seven seas") (!"Everybody's looking for something") (!"Hold your head up, keep your head up")
Memory
Create a memory game with matching pairs for this topic.
| Eurythmics | Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart |
| 1983 Single | Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) |
| Synthesizer Riff | Distinctive Feature |
| Music Video Iconic Image | Cow in a Field |
| Song Theme | Quest for Fulfillment |
Open Tasks
Easy
- Research Eurythmics' discography: Explore other songs and albums by Eurythmics and write a brief summary of their musical evolution.
- Create a Playlist: Make a playlist of 1980s pop songs that share a similar style or theme with "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)".
Standard
- Analyze the Lyrics: Write an analysis of the lyrics of "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)", focusing on its themes of desire and power.
- Design a Music Video: Create a storyboard for a modern version of the "Sweet Dreams" music video, incorporating contemporary elements.
Difficult
- Compose a Song: Write and record a song inspired by "Sweet Dreams", focusing on synthesizer use and lyrical themes.
- Music Video Analysis: Analyze the original music video of "Sweet Dreams" and discuss its artistic and cultural significance.
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Oral Exam
- Discuss Eurythmics' Influence: Talk about the impact of Eurythmics on pop music and how they influenced the use of synthesizers in music.
- Compare and Contrast: Compare "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)" with another Eurythmics song, focusing on musical style and lyrical themes.
- Modern Interpretations: Discuss how "Sweet Dreams" would be different if it were released today. Consider changes in music technology and societal themes.
OERs on the Topic
Links
MUSIC QUIZ
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