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Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)

"Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)" is a 1983 song by the British synth-pop duo Eurythmics, written by Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

"Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)" is a 1983 song by the British synth-pop duo Eurythmics, written by Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart. It became the duo’s breakthrough hit, reaching number 2 in the UK and number 1 on the US Billboard Hot 100. The song is also the title track of Eurythmics’ second studio album.

Background

The song was written by Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart and recorded in 1982. It was released in January 1983 and later became the title track of the album of the same name.

Commercial performance

"Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)" became Eurythmics’ commercial breakthrough. It was a major international hit, topping the US charts and reaching the top three in the UK.

Meaning and themes

The lyrics have been described as reflecting human motivation, desire, and the search for fulfilment. Lennox has associated the song with a broader commentary on the human condition.

Legacy

The song has remained one of the best-known tracks of the 1980s and has been extensively covered and referenced. Its recognition includes induction into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2020.

Key facts

  • Released in January 1983 as the fourth and final single from Eurythmics' second studio album.
  • Reached number 1 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number 2 in the UK.
  • Inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2020.
  • Widely covered, including a notable version by Marilyn Manson in 1995.
  • Regarded as Eurythmics' breakthrough hit and best-known song.
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Canadian context

The song became an international hit and was widely heard in Canada as part of Eurythmics’ global success; some sources also report it reached number 1 in Canada, though the provided results are less consistent on Canadian chart placement than on the UK and US charts.

Frequently asked questions

Who performed "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)"?
It was performed by the British synth-pop duo Eurythmics, consisting of Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart.
When was the song released?
It was released in January 1983 as a single from the album *Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)*.
How did the song chart?
It reached number 2 in the UK and number 1 on the US Billboard Hot 100.
Who wrote and produced it?
Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart wrote the song, and Dave Stewart produced it.
What album is it from?
It is from Eurythmics’ second studio album, also titled *Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)*.
Has the song received formal recognition?
Yes. It was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2020.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sweet_Dreams_(Are_Made_of_This)
    Supports: Song identity, artist, release timing, chart performance, and Grammy Hall of Fame induction.
  2. Library of Congress — https://www.loc.gov/static/programs/national-recording-preservation-board/documents/Sweet-Dreams_Majewski.pdf
    Supports: Song significance, legacy, covers, and cultural impact.
  3. Wikipedia (German) — https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sweet_Dreams_(Are_Made_of_This)_(Lied)
    Supports: Song authorship, production, release year, and title usage.
  4. Wikipedia (French) — https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sweet_Dreams_(Are_Made_of_This)
    Supports: Genre, writers, producer, label, and chart positions.
  5. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sweet_Dreams_(Are_Made_of_This)_(album)
    Supports: Album context and relation to the song.