A Quiet Echo of Longing: The Stone Poneys’ “December Dream”
For many who journeyed through the vibrant, shifting landscape of 1960s folk-rock, the name The Stone Poneys immediately conjures images of an era marked by burgeoning talent and the unmistakable, crystalline voice that would soon become a global phenomenon: Linda Ronstadt. While their biggest hit, the brilliant “Different Drum,” often overshadows their other work, there are quieter, equally poignant gems hidden within their brief but impactful discography. One such treasure is “December Dream,” a song that, while never charting as a single, holds a unique place on their second album, “Evergreen, Vol. 2,” released in June 1967. It’s a track that whispers of wistful reflection and the enduring, sometimes painful, nature of memory, particularly when tied to a love that has faded like a winter’s day.
The Stone Poneys – comprised of Linda Ronstadt, Bobby Kimmel, and Kenny Edwards – emerged from the thriving folk scene of Southern California, a crucible of creativity where traditional folk sensibilities began to intertwine with the burgeoning sounds of rock and pop. Their strength lay in their harmonious blend of voices and instrumentation, and above all, the undeniable charisma and vocal prowess of their lead singer. While “Different Drum” would catapult them into the national spotlight, “December Dream” offers a more intimate glimpse into the band’s folk roots and the melancholic beauty that often underpinned their work. It’s a testament to the fact that even in their early days, before Ronstadt’s solo superstardom, they were capable of crafting deeply resonant and emotionally intelligent songs.
The story behind “December Dream” traces back to songwriter John Braheny, a talented wordsmith whose work captured the introspective spirit of the folk era. Braheny penned the song during a period of personal upheaval, specifically after a difficult breakup. The raw emotions of loss and longing that accompany such an experience are palpable in every line. He entered “December Dream” into a songwriting competition at the first annual Freedom Folk Festival in Cambridge, Massachusetts, winning the contest and earning publication in SingOut Magazine. It was this exposure that likely brought the song to the attention of The Stone Poneys and their producer, Nick Venet, who recognized its gentle, aching beauty and its perfect fit for Ronstadt’s burgeoning interpretive talents.
The meaning of “December Dream” is woven into its evocative lyrics, painting a vivid picture of a lingering memory of a past love. The song speaks of walking through “empty streets of morning,” encountering a figure who is subtly, yet definitively, no longer hers. “Who she’s with I cannot tell / His face fades with the others / In the endless spell of dreams I know so well.” This isn’t a song of angry recrimination or dramatic despair; rather, it’s a quiet meditation on the persistence of memory and the way a former lover can still inhabit one’s thoughts, even when their reality has shifted. It’s about the bittersweet recognition that while “she’s where she wants to be / Her happiness is there for all to see,” the dreamer still holds onto that “December Dream,” a wistful echo of what once was. The mention of “December” itself carries a weight of poignant symbolism – a cold, quiet month often associated with endings and the turning of seasons, mirroring the end of a relationship.
For those who lived through the vibrant, yet often tumultuous, 1960s, “December Dream” serves as a gentle reminder of the quieter moments, the introspective sighs amidst the revolutionary fervor. It’s a song that invites reflection on past connections, the loves that shaped us, and the lingering imprints they leave on our hearts. Linda Ronstadt’s tender, almost delicate delivery of Braheny’s lyrics adds layers of vulnerability and grace, making the longing palpable without ever becoming overwrought. Her voice, even in these early recordings, had a singular quality that could imbue the simplest phrases with profound emotional depth. As the acoustic guitars gently strum and her voice floats above, “December Dream” becomes more than just a song; it becomes a shared memory, a timeless whisper of love, loss, and the eternal, quiet echoes of what once was.