About the song
“If I Can Dream” by Elvis Presley is a powerful and emotionally charged ballad that transcends the boundaries of popular music, becoming a timeless anthem of hope and unity. Released in 1968, this track stands as a testament to Presley’s vocal prowess and his ability to infuse a song with raw, unfiltered emotion. It’s more than just a song; it’s a plea for peace, a yearning for a world free from prejudice and conflict.
The song, written by Walter Earl Brown, was specifically created for Presley’s ’68 Comeback Special, a pivotal moment in his career. The lyrics, inspired by the social and political turmoil of the era, speak to the universal desire for a better world. Presley’s vocal delivery, marked by its soaring range, powerful crescendos, and tender vulnerability, transforms the song into a personal declaration of hope and faith. He doesn’t just sing the lyrics; he embodies them, conveying the yearning and conviction of the narrator with a palpable sense of sincerity.
Elvis Presley’s vocal style, characterized by its dynamic range and gospel-infused inflections, imbues the song with a sense of both vulnerability and strength. He navigates the song’s emotional landscape with a remarkable degree of sincerity, showcasing his ability to connect with his audience on a visceral level.
The song’s arrangement, typically grand and cinematic, allows Presley’s vocals to take center stage. The soaring orchestral backing and gospel-inspired harmonies create a sense of grandeur, mirroring the emotional intensity of the lyrics. The gradual build-up to the song’s climax, marked by Presley’s powerful belt, is a masterclass in vocal control and emotional delivery.
“If I Can Dream” in Elvis Presley’s hands, becomes more than just a song; it’s a raw and honest expression of hope and unity, a plea for peace in a world marred by conflict. It’s a testament to his ability to connect with his audience on a deep emotional level, delivering a performance that is both powerful and poignant. It serves as a reminder of the enduring power of music to inspire hope and promote understanding.
Video
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
Oh why
There must be peace and understanding sometime
Strong winds of promise that will blow away 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, answer’s gonna come somehow
Out there in the dark, there’s a beckoning candle, yeah
And while I can think, while I can talk
While I can stand, while I can walk
While I can dream
Oh, please let my dream
Come true
Right now
Let it come true right now
Oh yeah
