My Elusive Dreams


"My Elusive Dreams" is a country music song written by Billy Sherrill and Curly Putman. Songwriter, Curly Putnam, recorded his song in March 1967 and released it on ABC Records in June 1967, peaking at #41 on the Hot Country Singles charts and #34 on the Bubbling Under Hot 100. The song was later recorded by several artists. The best-known version was recorded as a duet by David Houston and Tammy Wynette, and was a No. 1 country hit in October 1967; the song also peaked at No. 89 on the Billboard Hot 100. Wynette recorded a second duet version of My Elusive Dreams in 1973 with George Jones; this version was included on the Let's Build a World Together album.

Song Background

The song follows a restless man and his wife, as he attempts to find an ever-elusive and lasting happiness pursuing various dreams and schemes, all which are ill-fated. The man's attempts at making something work include stops in at least six states: Texas, Utah, Alabama, Tennessee, Nebraska and finally Alaska. The man finally admits to his resigned wife that he recognizes she's tired of following him around the country and that his dreams are fleeting.

Other versions

Curly Putman

David Houston and Tammy Wynette

Johnny Darrell

Bobby Vinton

Charlie Rich