About The Song
Artist: Elvis Presley
Release Date: November 6, 1968
Album: Elvis (NBC TV Special)
Writer: Walter Earl Brown
Genre: Gospel, Rock, Pop
Musical Style:
- The song features a grand orchestral arrangement and showcases Elvis’s emotive vocal delivery.
- Combining elements of gospel, rock, and pop, “If I Can Dream” is known for its anthemic quality and inspirational message.
Lyrics and Theme:
- The lyrics, written by Walter Earl Brown, express hope, unity, and a longing for a better world.
- Elvis sings about overcoming challenges, breaking down barriers, and dreaming of a future where people can live together in harmony.
Significance of the ’68 Comeback Special:
- Elvis’s ’68 Comeback Special was a televised concert that revitalized his career.
- “If I Can Dream” served as a poignant conclusion to the special, conveying a message of hope and resilience.
Cultural Impact:
- The song became closely associated with Elvis’s comeback and is considered one of his iconic performances.
- Its universal theme has resonated with listeners over the years, making it a timeless piece of Elvis’s repertoire.
Legacy:
- “If I Can Dream” remains one of Elvis Presley’s most enduring and cherished songs.
- The performance is often praised for its emotional intensity and Elvis’s impassioned vocal delivery.
Subsequent Use in Media:
- The song has been featured in various films, documentaries, and retrospectives celebrating Elvis Presley’s legacy.
- Its universal message has contributed to its continued popularity and relevance.
In summary, “If I Can Dream” by Elvis Presley stands as a powerful anthem of hope and unity. The song, born out of a pivotal moment in Elvis’s career, continues to inspire audiences with its timeless message and remains a significant part of the King of Rock and Roll’s musical legacy.
Video
Lyrics
“If I Can Dream”
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
There must be lights burning brighter somewhere
Got to be birds flying higher in a sky more blue
If I can dream of a better land
Where all my brothers walk hand in hand
Tell me why, oh why, oh why can’t my dream come true?
There must be peace and understanding sometime
Strong winds of promise that will blow away all the doubt and fear
If I can dream of a warmer sun
Where hope keeps shining on everyone
Tell me why, oh why, oh why won’t that sun appear?
We’re lost in a cloud with too much rain
We’re trapped in a world that’s troubled with pain
But as long as a man has the strength to dream
He can redeem his soul and fly
Deep in my heart there’s a trembling question
Still I am sure that the answer’s gonna come somehow
Out there in the dark, there’s a beckoning candle
And while I can think,
While I can talk
While I can stand,
While I can walk
While I can dream,
Please let my dream come true… right now
Let it come true right now
Oh, yeah