"Once Upon a Dream" is a song written by Jack Lawrence and Sammy Fain in 1959 for the animated Disney film Sleeping Beauty. Lana Del Rey released a cover of the song for a reimagined version of the film, 2014's Maleficent. The song was first released on January 26, 2014.
Background[]
A trailer for the film and Del Rey's cover were teased in a primetime commercial slot during the 56th Annual Grammy Awards.[1] The track was made available as a free digital download during its first week of release in the Google Play Store.
Angelina Jolie, who plays the film's titular character, allegedly picked Del Rey herself to perform the song. The Daily Mail would cite an unknown source to say: "Angelina has been incredibly active in all aspects of the movie, even bagging a role for her daughter Vivienne, so it's no surprise that she helped choose who would sing the song. Angelina and the film's producers think Lana is perfect to breathe new life into an old classic."[1]
The file of the trailer mix of the song leaked on April 23, 2019. The vocals featured in this version feature no pitch correction.
Critical reception[]
Forbes called the cover "moody and low-key"[2] while Stereogum described it as a "swoony, spaced-out ballad".[3] Hypable noted that the cover was "much darker" than the original, calling her performance of the song "haunting".[4][dead link] Spin described the song as "creepy" and noted: "Smoky vocals, a bewitching come-hither delivery, and delicate piano turn the 1959 fairytale song into a haunting lullaby."[5] Complex remarked that Del Rey's cover had a "somber and sinister" feel in comparison to the original.[6]
Music video[]
| Music video | Information | |
|---|---|---|
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Released | November 4, 2014 |
| Length | 3:47 | |
| Director | ||
| Producer | ||
| Filmed | ||
| Location | ||
| Vevo views | 3 million+ views | |
Background and description[]
An official music video for the Young Ruffian Remix version of the song was published onto Disney Music's Vevo channel on November 4, 2014. The video does not feature Del Rey herself, but instead features clips from Maleficent.
Official versions[]
Official remix[]
- Young Ruffian Remix – 3:44
Lyrics[]
Soundtrack versions[]
I know you, I walked with you once upon a dream
I know you, that look in your eyes is so familiar, a gleam
And I know it's true that visions are seldom all they seem
But if I know you, I know what you'll do
You'll love me at once, the way you did once upon a dream
Ah-ah, ah-ah, ah-ah-mm
Ah-ah, ah-ah, ah-ah-mhm
But if I know you, I know what you'll do
You'll love me at once
The way you did once upon a dream
I know you, I walked with you once upon a dream
I know you, that gleam in your eyes is so familiar, a gleam
And I know it's true that visions are seldom all they seem
But if I know you, I know what you'll do
You'll love me at once, the way you did once upon a dream
Trailer mix[]
I know you, I walked with you once upon a dream
I know you, that gleam in your eyes is so familiar, a gleam
And I know it's true that visions are seldom all they seem
But if I know you, I know what you'll do
You'll love me at once, the way you did once upon a dream
Upon a dream
Media[]
Commercial release[]
Digital releases[]
- Once Upon a Dream (from "Maleficent") - Single[a]
|
Label: Walt Disney Records Format: Digital download Released: January 26, 2014 Barcode: None Photography: Unknown Design: Unknown |
|---|
| # | Name | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Once Upon a Dream" (from "Maleficent") | 3:23 |
- Once Upon a Dream (from "Maleficent"/Young Ruffian Remix) - Single
|
Label: Walt Disney Records Format: Digital download Released: 2014 Barcode: None Photography: Unknown Design: Unknown |
|---|
| # | Name | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Once Upon a Dream" (from "Maleficent"/Young Ruffian Remix) | 3:44 |
Promotional releases[]
Once Upon a Dream CDr by Walt Disney Records and Universal Music[]
Once Upon a Dream CDr by Universal Music; Europe[]
Credits[]
- Personnel
- Jack Lawrence – songwriting
- Sammy Fain – songwriting
- Dan Heath – production
- Lana Del Rey – vocals
- James Newton Howard – production [executive producer]
Charts and certifications[]
Weekly charts[]
Certifications[]
|
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Charalambous, Sophia (January 27, 2014). "Lana Del Rey's rendition of Once Upon A Dream for Maleficent premieres at Grammys in 90-second sneak peek trailer". Daily Mail. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2546565/Lana-Del-Reys-rendition-Once-Upon-A-Dream-Maleficent-premieres-Grammys-90-second-sneak-peek-trailer.html. Retrieved May 9, 2024.
- ↑ Mendelson, Scott (January 26, 2014). "Lana Del Rey Covers 'Once Upon A Dream' For Angelina Jolie's 'Maleficent'". Forbes. http://www.forbes.com/sites/scottmendelson/2014/01/26/lana-del-ray-covers-once-upon-a-dream-in-new-trailer-for-angelina-jolies-malificent/. Retrieved January 27, 2014.
- ↑ Nelson, Michael (January 26, 2014). "Lana Del Rey – "Once Upon A Dream"". Stereogum. http://www.stereogum.com/1643601/lana-del-rey-once-upon-a-dream/mp3s/. Retrieved January 27, 2014.
- ↑ Sims, Andrew (January 26, 2014). "Lana Del Rey’s ‘Once Upon A Dream’ released – listen!". Hypable.com. http://www.hypable.com/2014/01/26/lana-del-rey-maleficent-once-upon-a-dream/. Retrieved January 27, 2014.
- ↑ McGovern, Kyle (January 27, 2014). "Hear Lana Del Rey's Creepy 'Once Upon a Dream' Cover in 'Maleficent' Trailer". Spin. http://www.spin.com/articles/lana-del-rey-once-upon-a-dream-maleficent-trailer/. Retrieved January 27, 2014.
- ↑ X, Dharmic (January 26, 2014). "Listen to Lana Del Rey's Cover of "Once Upon A Dream" as The "Maleficent" Theme Song". Complex. http://www.complex.com/music/2014/01/lana-del-rey-once-upon-a-dream-maleficent-theme-song. Retrieved January 27, 2014.
- ↑ "The ARIA Report: Issue 1265" ARIA Top 100 Singles. National Library of Australia. Retrieved April 19, 2025.
- ↑ "Lana Del Rey – Once Upon A Dream" (in French). Les classement single. Retrieved February 10, 2024.
- ↑ "Chart Track: Week 24, 2014". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved April 19, 2025.
- ↑ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved May 9, 2024.
- ↑ "Lana Del Rey Chart History (Bubbling Under Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved February 10, 2024.
- ↑ "2023 Accreds". Australian Recording Industry Association. https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/orr9fphn3kyhykimwm11l/AMPH66r7jahjKL4nComjUdQ?dl=0&e=1&preview=2023+Accreds.pdf&rlkey=b5et6u9n5p7f3gkxgmqhivbyf. Retrieved April 19, 2025.
- ↑ "British certifications – Lana Del Rey – Once Upon a Dream". British Phonographic Industry. https://www.bpi.co.uk/award/20169-3320-1. Retrieved July 14, 2024.
- ↑ "American certifications – Lana Del Rey – Once Upon a Dream". Recording Industry Association of America. https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&ar=Lana+Del+Rey&ti=Once+Upon+a+Dream&format=&type=#search_section. Retrieved February 10, 2024.