Only a Dream in Rio

Album: That's Why I'm Here (1985)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Taylor wrote this song about his experience performing at the inaugural Rock in Rio festival in 1985. The 10-day festival drew well over a million fans, and featured performances by Queen, AC/DC, Scorpions, Iron Maiden, and many top local musicians. (There more more mellow acts - including George Benson - on the two days Taylor performed).

    Performing at the festival, Taylor was struck by the enthusiasm and engagement of the crowd, which sang along to his tunes. This experience marked a turning point in Taylor's life, as he was once again struggling with drug addiction and had been in and out of rehab. He says coming off the stage, he felt like he finally "landed on his feet" and was able to get sober for good.
  • In the middle of this song, Taylor repeats the lyrics in Portuguese, the official language of Brazil. In this section he is accompanied by the Brazilian musicians Eliane Elias, Kenia Gould, and Zbeto. Taylor's trumpet player Randy Brecker also sings on this part.
  • The "Concrete Christ" Taylor mentions is the famous Christ the Redeemer statue that overlooks the city of Rio.

Comments: 3

  • Larry Holder from CaliforniaJames Taylor is my brother of another mother
  • Dave from So CalDoug is correct. The Portuguese lyrics are a lovely Brazilian celebration of the sun as "mother."
  • Doug from Maine In the middle of the song, Taylor does not repeat the lyrics in Portuguese. He adds altogether different lyrics.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Tim Butler of The Psychedelic Furs

Tim Butler of The Psychedelic FursSongwriter Interviews

Tim and his brother Richard are the Furs' foundation; Tim explains how they write and tells the story of "Pretty In Pink."

Colin Hay

Colin HaySongwriter Interviews

Established as a redoubtable singer-songwriter, the Men At Work frontman explains how religion, sobriety and Jack Nicholson play into his songwriting.

Matthew Wilder - "Break My Stride"

Matthew Wilder - "Break My Stride"They're Playing My Song

Wilder's hit "Break My Stride" had an unlikely inspiration: a famous record mogul who rejected it.

Yacht Rock!

Yacht Rock!Song Writing

A scholarly analysis of yacht rock favorites ("Steal Away," "Baker Street"...) with a member of the leading YR cover band.

Tim McIlrath of Rise Against

Tim McIlrath of Rise AgainstSongwriter Interviews

Rise Against frontman Tim McIlrath explains the meanings behind some of their biggest songs and names the sci-fi books that have influenced him.

Boy Bands

Boy BandsFact or Fiction

From NKOTB to 1D, how well do you know your boy bands?