Kenny Rogers, Kim Carnes – Don’t Fall In Love With A Dreamer

Introduction

“Don’t Fall In Love With A Dreamer,” a soulful duet by country legend Kenny Rogers and singer-songwriter Kim Carnes, isn’t your typical love song. Released in 1980, it delves into the complexities of loving someone with ambitious dreams that may not always translate to reality.

The song’s origins lie with Kim Carnes herself. Carnes, along with her husband David Ellingson, penned the tune. Interestingly, “Don’t Fall In Love With A Dreamer” became the only single from Roger’s concept album “Gideon,” where every song was written by the Carnes-Ellingson duo.

There’s a unique charm to the recording process as well. While laying down the track in Nashville, Rogers and Carnes sang facing each other with a live band. Carnes even had to improvise the melody in a different key on the spot, adding a layer of rawness to the final product.

The song itself is a beautiful tapestry of two perspectives. Rogers, embodying the dreamer, sings about chasing aspirations and the sacrifices that come with it. Carnes, representing the lover, expresses both the allure and the heartbreak of being with someone who prioritizes chasing distant goals over a stable relationship.

“Don’t Fall In Love With A Dreamer” became a chart-topping success, reaching number one on the Adult Contemporary charts and peaking within the top three on both the Country and Billboard Hot 100 charts. This melancholic duet resonated with listeners, becoming a reminder of the bittersweet realities of love and ambition.

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