A tense atmosphere greets the students following their Monday morning return to their classroom, which had been the scene of a violent episode carried out by the Thug Boys the Friday afternoon before. To calm his students’ still rattled nerves, Mr. Johnson assigns his class a quiet and reflective writing exercise and asks them to write down their daydreams on paper. The term “daydreams” itself is introduced to the students as both a “whimsical distraction” and a “vital escape” – a way in which one can connect with their inner thoughts, whether they be of days gone by, family and friends, future goals or aspirations. As each student’s imagination unfolds, a tapestry of experiences and emotions emerge that resonate throughout the haunting lyrics of Daydreams.
Daydreams opens with Enrique recalling his father-child bonding moments in the fields. His lyrics evoke a sense of nostalgia and warmth, depicting simple yet profound joys under the vast, open sky. The imagery of crows flying by, and his father’s lingering smile illustrates their deep bond that forever will inspire him. Enrique’s daydream is a reminder of the importance of family and the lasting impact of shared experience.
Former Soviet MD Josef complains of a life of confusion and frustration. He reflects on the memories of summer days, medical school, his pride in becoming a doctor, all juxtaposed against the confines of his current reality, lost in a new country with a new environment and language. His daydreams are filled with longing for a time when he was respected and understood, highlighting the struggles many immigrants face when navigating their identities in unfamiliar environments. Josef’s song captures a universal yearning for one to have purpose and recognition in their lives.
Vuong Anh’s ghostly daydream illuminates the despair of loss. His woeful tribute to his dearly departed wife paints a vivid picture of love and grief where only longing remains. In contrast, Rosetta’s dream offers a glimpse of cherished moments that remain but are tarnished. Recalling her past, she sings of a poor girl raised in the dust on the side of a road and resolves to “never go back there again” while expressing hope and optimism for the future.
Mei Li’s daydream is no surprise. It is that of love, increasingly focusing on Mr. Johnson, unknown to the new teacher himself who is busy concentrating on providing a useful and worthwhile lesson for his class. Were he aware of his young student’s intentions to be closer to her young teacher than he knew, he would no doubt be greatly annoyed.
Common themes of love, loss, longing, and laughter are beautifully captured throughout Daydreams’ varied verses. The song invites listeners to quietly daydream themselves while they listen and reflect upon their own thoughts and dreams.
Note: Four years before Congress passed the Dream Act in 2001, and President Obama solidified the term, “Dreamers” as part of his 2012 DACA Executive Act, Professor Harper had copyrighted this song about Dreamers and immigrants in his song entitled, “Daydreams” some years before. However, as no-one has ever heard the song until now, it doesn’t count. Professor Harper wishes to state with certainty that he had nothing to do with the term, but wishes he had.
