Beautiful Dreamer was written in 1864 by Stephen Foster, near the end of his life. It was published shortly after his death and became one of his most enduring songs, moving from parlor performance into the broader American song tradition. The song has been recorded by artists such as Bing Crosby, Roy Orbison, and Jerry Lee Lewis, reflecting its continued presence across styles and generations. This performance is presented with voice and acoustic guitar. Song: Beautiful Dreamer Written by: Stephen Foster (1864), United States Performance: Jason Paul – voice & guitar
Jason Paul · The song collection1864
Beautiful Dreamer
The performance
3 recordingsPerformance 1
Beautiful Dreamer [1864] – Stephen Foster | Jason Paul
April 25, 2026
Lyrics and chords
Words and music by Stephen Foster
verse 1
ABeautiful dreamer, Bm wake unto me
E7Starlight and dewdrops are waiting for Athee
Sounds if the rude world Bmheard in tbe day
E7Lulled by the moonlight have all passes Aaway
chorus 1
E7Beautiful dreamer, Aqueen of my song
F#mList while I woo B7 thee with E7soft melody
AGone are the cares of Bmlife’s busy throng
E7Beautiful dreamer awake into Ame C#7 F#m
DBeautiful Adreamer, aE7wake into Ame
verse 2
ABeautiful dreamer, Bmout on the sea
E7Mermaids are chanting the wild LoreAlei
Over the stream let Bmvapors are borne
E7Waiting to fade at the bright coming Amorn
Chorus 2
E7Beautiful dreamer Abeam on my heart
F#mE’en as the morn B7on the E7streamlet and sea
AThen will all clouds of Bmsorrow depart
E7Beautiful dreamer awake into Ame C#7 F#m
DBeautiful Adreamer, aE7wake into Ame