Keeping the Dream Alive

For the memoir, see Joanna Cherry. For other uses, see Keep the Dream Alive (disambiguation). 1988 song by Münchener Freiheit with the London Symphony Orchestra"Keeping the Dream Alive (So lang' man Träume noch leben kann)"Song by Münchener Freiheit with the London Symphony Orchestrafrom the album Fantasy Released1988GenrePopLength4:09LabelCBSSongwritersAron Strobel, Stefan Zauner (music), Timothy Touchton and Curtis Briggs (lyrics)ProducerArmand Volker "Keeping the Dream Alive" is a 1988 song by German pop and rock band Münchener Freiheit – also known as Freiheit in English-speaking countries – taken from their album Fantasy. The music was written by Aron Strobel and Stefan Zauner with lyrics by Timothy Touchton and Curtis Briggs, and the song was arranged by Andrew Powell, Armand Volker and Stefan Zauner. It was recorded in Abbey Road Studios and mastered by Tonstudio Rico Sonderegger, with Volker as the producer. The performance by Münchener Freiheit with the London Symphony Orchestra included featuring additional vocals by the Jackson Singers. The song was originally recorded in German as "So lang' man Träume noch leben kann", and appeared on the album Fantasie. The lyrics were later translated into English and re-recorded to be released on CBS. An instrumental version under the original German-language title "So lang' man Träume noch leben kann" appeared in 1987 on Schenk Mir Eine Nacht - Ihre Schönsten Lovesongs.

[edit] It remains the band's only international hit, peaking at #14 in the UK Charts. Because it is the band's only charting hit in the UK, it is generally considered as a one-hit wonder and, due to its December release, a Christmas song, being featured on many Christmas compilation albums.

Chart (1988–89)

Peakposition

Australia (Kent Music Report)

55

Ireland (IRMA)

20

UK

14

[edit] German[edit] Side A: So lang’ man Träume noch leben kann" (Long Version) (6:58) Side B: "So lang’ man Träume noch leben kann" (Instrumental Version) (4:14) "So lang’ man Träume noch leben kann" (Single Version) (4:14) English[edit] Single

Side A: "Keeping the Dream Alive" (Single Version) (4:09) Side B: "The Land of Fantasy" (4:51) Maxi single

"Keeping the Dream Alive" (Single Version) (4:09) "Keeping the Dream Alive" (Extended Version) (6:31) "The Land of Fantasy" (4:51)

[edit] Due to its December release and rich orchestral sound, "Keeping the Dream Alive" still receives much airplay at Christmas time in the United Kingdom, and can be found on many Christmas compilation albums. It is also popular with choirs throughout the world.[citation needed] The song failed to chart in the United States when it was originally released, gaining favour with the American public only after it was featured in the soundtrack for the film Say Anything....[citation needed]

[edit] There have been a number of covers of the song both in English and in German. In 2013, English pop singer Kim Wilde covered the song on her album Wilde Winter Songbook, but only in the deluxe edition of the album.[citation needed] In 2018, British pop music group The Fizz covered it in their album Christmas with the Fizz. In 2019, Björn Again covered the song in "Christmas Is Björn Again".[citation needed] In 2020, Rock Choir covered the song.[citation needed]

[edit] The song was featured on the soundtrack of the 1989 film Say Anything... directed by Cameron Crowe.[citation needed]

While you won’t hear "Keeping the Dream Alive" topping the classic carol charts, its sweeping orchestral backing gives it a gentle, almost hymn‑like quality that works beautifully as a background track for a relaxed Christmas dinner. The London Symphony Orchestra’s strings add a touch of grandeur without the bombast of a brass‑heavy anthem, making it ideal for intimate gatherings where you want music that feels special but doesn’t drown conversation. Pair it with soft lighting and a candle‑lit table and the mood subtly shifts from everyday pop to something more reflective, perfect for those moments when you’re reminiscing about past holidays and dreaming of the year ahead.

If you’re curating a Christmas mix that blends the familiar with the fresh, slot "Keeping the Dream Alive" after the last traditional carol. Its tempo sits comfortably at just over four minutes, giving listeners a breather before the next upbeat number. Use it as a bridge between upbeat pop covers and slower, sentimental tracks – the orchestral swell works well after a lively rendition of "All I Want for Christmas Is You" and before a gentle piano version of "Silent Night". When streaming, set the track at a moderate volume; the layered vocals and strings reveal themselves best when they’re not competing with louder, percussive pieces.

The most striking feature isn’t the catchy melody but the fact that the German band recorded the whole thing at Abbey Road Studios with the London Symphony Orchestra. That collaboration gives the song a lush cinematic texture that most 80s pop tracks lack. Listeners often focus on the English lyrics and overlook the subtle choir work by the Jackson Singers, which adds an ethereal choir‑like resonance reminiscent of choral arrangements found in many Christmas services. Recognising these layers can transform a casual listen into an appreciation of the craftsmanship that makes the track feel timeless, even when it’s far from a traditional seasonal staple.