Don’t Dream, It’s Over

Neil Finn (1958–)

Recorded by the New Zealand group Crowded House, “Don’t Dream, It’s Over” was a worldwide hit. In 2001 the Australasian Performing Rights Association (APPA) celebrated its 75thanniversary by choosing the all-time best recordings from New Zealand, where the song placed #2, and Australia, where it was #7. It’s been pointed out that despite its somewhat gloomy feel, “Don’t Dream, It’s Over” is about hope and perseverance. Neil Finn is a current member of Fleetwood Mac, having replaced Lindsey Buckingham. His mother was a devout Catholic. Regarding Catholicism, he said: “It’s a great fertile ground for pulling lyrics out. Lots of good stuff going on in there, good rituals and imagery and lots of guilt. It’s a very potent combination. I think you’re blessed, really, to be brought up with some kind of weird dogma like that.”