Dream a Little Dream

About

Dream a Little Dream was released on 15 December 2013 as the second single from Swings Both Ways. Written in 1931 by Wilbur Schwandt, Fabian Andre and Gus Kahn, the song has been recorded by more than sixty artists, including Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole, Doris Day and The Mamas & the Papas. Robbie Williams’s version is a duet with Lily Allen, combining classic swing charm with light contemporary production by Guy Chambers.

Williams chose the song from his father Pete Conway’s record collection, recalling that it had always been a family favourite. He said, “It’s probably one of the sweetest ditties ever written. I was lucky enough to bear the fruits of that fateful meeting between Guy and Lily.” Chambers had run into Allen at London’s Groucho Club, where she sang the song informally, prompting him to invite her to appear on the album. Allen later said, “It’s one of my favourite songs of all time, so I didn’t hesitate when Robbie asked me. I was a bit nervous, but I think we do justice to a classic.”

Musically, Dream a Little Dream keeps close to its traditional roots, featuring gentle piano, brushed percussion and lush string arrangements. Williams and Allen trade verses and harmonise throughout, their voices blending seamlessly. Williams also recorded a solo version for single release, which retained the same instrumentation but replaced Allen’s vocals with his own additional takes.

“It’s probably one of the sweetest ditties ever written. I was lucky enough to bear the fruits of that fateful meeting between Guy and Lily. As soon as she opened her mouth in the studio, it was like, that’s amazing.”Robbie Williams

The video, directed by Chris Sweeney, presents Williams as the host of a 1960s-style Christmas television special in the mould of Dean Martin’s variety shows. Featuring vintage sets, dancers and a cameo from Chambers on piano, it captures the humour and warmth of the recording. Critics praised the duet for its nostalgic charm and vocal chemistry, calling it one of the most elegant moments on Swings Both Ways and a faithful tribute to one of the great standards of American songwriting.