Roy Orbison And The First Time His Son Heard In Dreams And Asked, “Were You Hurting, Dad?”

April 2, 2025

On a quiet evening in the Orbison household, the soft glow of the living room lamp illuminated the room as Roy Orbison settled down with his family. His son, Alex, was sprawled on the floor, his eyes wide with curiosity. Roy had just finished playing one of his latest songs, “In Dreams,” on the guitar. The haunting melody hung in the air, a blend of beauty and melancholy that Roy had woven into every note. The song was one of his most beloved creations, but that night, it felt different, more personal.

As the last echo of the guitar faded, Alex looked up at his father, his youthful face etched with concern. “Were you hurting, Dad?” he asked, his voice barely above a whisper. Roy felt a lump form in his throat. The vulnerability in his son’s eyes reminded him of the struggles he had faced. Roy’s life was not without its shadows. He had lost his first wife, Claudette, in a tragic accident, and it had left a deep imprint on his heart. “In Dreams” was born from that sorrow—an expression of loss, longing, and the hope of love that transcends even the hardest of times.

Roy paused, feeling the weight of Alex’s question. He knelt beside his son, brushing a few strands of hair away from his forehead. “Yes, son, I was hurting,” he admitted, his voice thick with emotion. “But music has always been my way of speaking when words fail me. It helped me to express all those feelings I couldn’t say out loud.” Roy explained how songwriting became his refuge, a place where he could turn pain into something beautiful. He watched as Alex absorbed the words, realizing that even sorrow could lead to something meaningful.

The conversation lingered in the air, binding father and son together in a way that only shared experiences could. Alex listened intently, discovering not just the artist in his father, but the man behind the music—the father who had known heartbreak but chose to turn that hurt into melodies that could touch others’ hearts. Roy felt a surge of pride as he recognized his son’s sensitivity and understanding. It was clear to him that music wasn’t just a career; it was a legacy he was passing down, a way to navigate the highs and lows of life.

“In Dreams” would go on to become one of Roy Orbison’s signature songs, celebrated for its dreamlike quality and emotional depth. Its success brought him recognition and admiration, but it also served as a reminder of resilience. Each time he performed it, he poured his heart into the lyrics, knowing that he was connecting with others who had also faced their own trials. The music had a way of transforming pain into hope, allowing both him and his audience to dream again.

As the evening wore on, father and son continued their conversation, laughter and love filling the room. Roy realized that while music had the power to heal, it was the moments like these that truly defined his life. In sharing his story and the essence of his song, he not only inspired his son but also reaffirmed his own commitment to the craft that had saved him. Together, they embraced the idea that dreams could emerge from the darkness, and even through the pain, there was always light waiting to break through.