The song is widely considered one of the most beautiful and touching love songs ever written. Its lyrics are simple yet profound, and its melody has become a standard in the world of traditional pop music. Fabian Andre and Wilber Schwandt wrote the music for the song while on tour with a band in 1930. Schwandt has recalled that the tune came to him in Paw Paw, Michigan, while Andre claims they were working on the piece during a 10-minute break at a show in Milwaukee.

The single version of the song topped the charts in several countries, and remains one of the most popular songs on the radio to this day. The song has been covered by numerous artists, including many of the world’s leading classical musicians. It has been covered in various languages, including Italian (“Nostalgia”) and French (“Les Yeux Ouverts”). American jazz pianist Billy Taylor recorded a version featuring vocalist Count Basie on his 1969 album Blues and Boogie. Norwegian singer Sissel Kyrkjebo included the song on her 1991 album Gift of Love. Korean classical crossover musician Yiruma released a rendition on his 2001 album First Love: Piano Collection. American vocalist Nancy Wilson included the song on her 2003 album The Way It Was, and Canadian jazz vocalist Norma Winstone covered it in a live performance at fashion designer Erin Fetherston’s 2007 show.

The success of the Mama Cass version prompted Anita Harris to record a cover for her own debut single, and it entered the UK chart in the week after the Cass release. It remained in the chart for a little over two weeks, and would later peak at number 33. lyrics for dream a little dream of me