The Strangest Dream... of Peace on Earth

Last Night I Had the Strangest Dream... The song evokes the hope for peace in this word. It's one of those songs that leaves me aching and longing for a better world.

I most recently heard Simon & Garfunkel's version on SiriusXM Radio, which has been offering a special station featuring the duo (which, sadly, ends shortly).

What I didn't know until today was that it was written by Ed McCurdy, who was a very popular folk singer in the 1950's and 60's, and died almost exactly 11 years ago.

The song has been recorded in 76 languages and is the official theme song of the Peace Corps, among other things. The lyrics:


Last night I had the strangest dream
I'd ever dreamed before
I dreamed the world had all agreed
To put an end to war

I dreamed I saw a mighty room
The room was filled with men*
And the paper they were signing said
They'd never fight again

And when the paper was all signed
And a million copies made
They all joined hands and bowed their heads
And grateful pray'rs were prayed

And the people in the streets below
Were dancing 'round and 'round
While swords and guns and uniforms
Were scattered on the ground

Last night I had the strangest dream
I'd never dreamed before
I dreamed the world had all agreed
To put an end to war.

*Note: I saw a version that said "It was filled with women and men" for this line--probably an update--and more appropriate for today.