About the Song
Released on April 3, 1995, “Tell Me I Was Dreaming” was originally recorded by American country music artist Travis Tritt in 1994. It was the fourth single from his fourth studio album, Ten Feet Tall and Bulletproof. In addition, Tritt co-penned the song with fellow artist Bruce Ray Brown. Meanwhile, record producer Gregg Brown produced it for Warner Bros.
Digging into its meaning, “Tell Me I Was Dreaming” is full of emotional punches. It is one of the most sentimental country songs that revolve around these topics: love, family, and hope. True enough, it is a tearjerker that pierces one’s emotions.
Here’s a part of this emotional ballad:
When I woke up this morning
Wiped the sleep from my eyes
Found a new day dawning
And suddenly I realize
You’re gone
Tell me I was dreaming
That you didn’t leave me here to cry
You didn’t say you don’t love me anymore
And it was just my imagination telling lies
Tell me that you didn’t say goodbye
Moreover, the song significantly charted on the country music charts. “Tell Me I Was Dreaming” debuted at the 73rd spot on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks a week after its release. Soon, it peaked at no. 2 on the same chart. In Canada, it reached no. 3 on the RPM Country Tracks. Furthermore, it charted at no. 14 and no. 36 on the Billboard Country Songs and RPM Country Tracks, respectively.
The song received a favorable review from Billboard magazine correspondent Deborah Evans Price. She stated:
“big ballad combines an impassioned vocal performance with Gregg Brown’s nifty production touches.”
Premiered in 1995, the heartbreaking music video has become controversial upon its release. It was directed by music director Michael Merriman. Filmed in Austin, Texas, Travis Tritt plays the lead role as Mac Singleton, a crippled American Army veteran. In the video, his wife, Annie, is pregnant. While cleaning the boat, Annie accidentally falls and hits her head on the docks. Worried and afraid of losing her, Mac tries to save her with the help of a friend named Al. Unfortunately, she dies leaving her husband and their baby girl who eventually survives despite the accident. Later, Mac names the baby after his late wife, Annie.
Due to its heartbreaking and poignant storyline, the video has been regarded as one of the saddest songs in country music history. In 1996, it was nominated at the ACM for Video of the Year. However, it did not successfully covet the award.
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