Had a Dream (Sleeping With the Enemy)

"Had a Dream (Sleeping With the Enemy)" from Roger Hodgson's 1984 solo debut album In the Eye of the Storm is a powerful track that showcases his shift from Supertramp's polished sound to a raw, introspective style. In a 2009 interview, Hodgson described the song as a reflection of personal and societal struggles, inspired by his departure from Supertramp and the turbulent world of the early 1980s. He noted that the song's intense energy, driven by its thunderous guitar riffs and dramatic intro with a baby's cry and sirens, was meant to evoke the chaos of facing one's fears. Fans on platforms like Steve Hoffman Music Forums have speculated about the song's rarely performed full version, particularly its artistic opening minute, which Hodgson reportedly never played live in its entirety, adding to its mystique among collectors.

The song's lyrics, with lines like "Sleeping with the enemy, you know," were interpreted by fans on SongMeanings as a commentary on confronting injustice and the internal conflict of standing alone against overwhelming odds. Hodgson himself shared on his Facebook page in 2015 that the track was one of his favorites to record, as it allowed him to play multiple instruments, including electric guitar, 12-string guitar, and synthesizers, at his home studio in Nevada City, California. The recording process, detailed in the album's credits, was a labor of love, with Hodgson working closely with engineer Ken Allardyce to capture the raw emotion of the track, which peaked at number 48 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 5 on the Mainstream Rock chart.

Roger Hodgson, born Charles Roger Pomfret Hodgson on March 21, 1950, in Portsmouth, Hampshire, began his musical journey at a young age. His official biography on rogerhodgson.com recounts how he received his first guitar at age 12 and started writing songs soon after, inspired by The Beatles and Bob Dylan. By 1969, at age 19, he co-founded Supertramp, becoming the band's co-frontman and primary songwriter for hits like "The Logical Song" and "Breakfast in America." His distinctive high-pitched vocals and introspective lyrics defined Supertramp's progressive rock sound through their 1979 multi-platinum album Breakfast in America. Hodgson left the band in 1983 to focus on his solo career and family life in California, releasing In the Eye of the Storm a year later, which marked his artistic independence.

Hodgson's official website, rogerhodgson.com, serves as a hub for tour dates, music releases, and exclusive merchandise through the Roger Hodgson Store. Fans can connect with him on social media via Facebook, Instagram, and X, where he frequently shares tour updates and personal reflections. The Facebook page, in particular, has garnered praise from fans for its heartfelt posts, with one 2015 comment describing his concerts as "bafflingly overwhelming" due to his vocal and compositional talent. Fan communities thrive on platforms like the Roger Hodgson Fan Club on Facebook, where enthusiasts share concert photos and discuss his discography. Another notable fan site, rogerhodgson.com, also links to fan-driven content and tour testimonials, fostering a global community of "Zoo Freaks" who celebrate his timeless music.