Reviewed by Veronika Van Der Walt
Dylan Tori, born Dylan Pretorius, began his professional musical career 20 years ago. Originally from Pretoria, South Africa, Dylan’s passion for diverse musical genres led him to form various bands during his school years. He quickly developed a talent for writing his own material and became known as a “cover maestro,” impressing audiences with his versatility and skill. In 2016, Dylan gained wider recognition by participating in The Voice South Africa, where his rendition of Elton John’s ‘Rocket Man’ won him a place on #TeamKahn.
“My new song ‘Daydreamer’ is deeply personal, born out of my reflections as a musician observing the world around us. As artists, we constantly seek inspiration, hope, and love in everything we encounter. However, the reality of today’s world often feels at odds with this pursuit, as it seems indifferent to the dreams and lifestyles of creatives.
Amid the relentless rat race, governed by corporate and political systems, amidst wars and global disasters, ‘Daydreamer’ expresses a longing for light, peace, hope, and happiness in an often-chaotic world. I wrote this song for the world to embrace, and my heartfelt hope is that everyone who listens to it understands its message: we are all here with a purpose, and we must collectively dream of a better world for each other. One world, one love, one life. Let’s nurture it, not destroy it, and strive to create something wonderful for everyone.
When I initially wrote the song, I composed it on the guitar and was quite pleased with it. However, when I brought it into the studio, playing and singing it on guitar didn’t quite convey the emotional depth I wanted the lyrics to evoke. It felt incomplete. So, Mark Beling and I decided to experiment with a piano arrangement, complemented by subtle strings in the background. The result was transformative. It brought the song to life in a way that exceeded my expectations, perfectly encapsulating the emotion I intended. Mark truly worked his magic once again, and I couldn’t be happier with the outcome.” – Dylan Tori.
Wow, that raspy voice gave me goosebumps! I can see why he made it on The Voice South Africa. ‘Daydreamer’ has a strong country feel to it. I would have thought that he’s from America, but he’s a pure South African lol. I’m glad they went with the piano; it has a more calming effect on a troubled soul.
I can relate to the song, thinking about the time I was unemployed. I was helping cats in need, and my world turned at a slower pace than others’. It bothered me a lot that I didn’t have a job, but I was busy with something far more important. I was busy with my purpose, making the world a better place and nurturing it like Dylan said above. I was also a “daydreamer living with night sleepers,” but I found my “muse”.
I feel relieved after listening to ‘Daydreamer’. I’m not alone, there are others feeling the same way I did. Times are tough, especially after COVID, and the official unemployment rate in South Africa has recently been recorded at 32.9% in the first quarter of 2025. But listening to ‘Daydreamer’ gives me hope, and I think it can be an anthem for anyone struggling to make ends meet.
Job well done, Dylan! I got your “message,” and I think others will too. You should be world famous – you’re that good!
Clean Lyrics
Around the world in just a day
To the greatest wall and outer space
I met my heroes with much to say
Wrote a song for the world to claim
I’m the king of my castle
While the worlds gone numb
I got nothing to lose
I’ve found my muse
I’m a daydreamer
Living in a world
That’s just too crazy for you and me
I’m a daydreamer
Living with night sleepers
Who just can’t seem to understand me
I’m a daydreamer in a crazy world
Dreaming of a better life for me
See my world in a different light
For my dreams I will fight
Standing on the stage to make a change
For my ticket out of this place
I’m the king of my castle
While the worlds gone numb
I got nothing to lose
I’ve found my muse
I’m a daydreamer
Living in a world
That’s just too crazy for you and me
I’m a daydreamer
Living with night sleepers
Who just can’t seem to understand me
I’m a daydreamer in a crazy world
Dreaming of a better life for me
I’m a daydreamer
You can listen to ‘Daydreamer’ here:
https://hypeddit.com/dylantori/daydreamer
Watch the video here:
And follow Dylan here:
All Links: https://linktr.ee/dylantori
Facebook: www.facebook.com/dylanlivesa
Instagram: www.instagram.com/dylan.tori
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@DylanTori