About the song
Ladies and gentlemen, tonight, we journey back to a time of profound social change, a time when the world was grappling with questions of equality, justice, and hope. In this era of uncertainty, a voice emerged, a voice that resonated with the dreams of a generation. That voice, of course, belonged to the one and only Elvis Presley.
Now, we all know Elvis for his electrifying stage presence, his revolutionary rock and roll, and his undeniable charisma. But beyond the glitz and glamour, there was a man who cared deeply about the state of the world. In 1968, at a time of great division and unrest, Elvis stepped into the recording studio to create something truly special, something that would transcend the boundaries of mere entertainment.
The result was a song that would become an anthem of hope, a beacon of light in a world that often seemed shrouded in darkness. That song was “If I Can Dream.” It wasn’t just a hit record; it was a statement, a plea for understanding, and a testament to the power of dreams.
When you listen to “If I Can Dream,” you’ll hear the passion in Elvis’s voice, the raw emotion that pours out of every note. He’s not just singing; he’s pleading, he’s yearning for a better future. The lyrics, penned by Walter Earl Brown, speak of a world where every man is judged not by the color of his skin but by the content of his character. It’s a message that resonates just as strongly today as it did back then.
The song’s arrangement is also a masterpiece, building from a quiet, introspective opening to a soaring, powerful crescendo. The backing vocals add a touch of gospel fervor, underscoring the song’s spiritual underpinnings. It’s a musical tapestry that weaves together elements of pop, gospel, and soul, creating a sound that is both timeless and universal.
“If I Can Dream” is more than just a song; it’s a cultural artifact, a snapshot of a moment in time when the world was on the brink of change. It’s a reminder that even in the darkest of times, hope can still flicker and burn bright. And it’s a testament to the enduring power of Elvis Presley as not just an entertainer but as an artist who used his platform to speak to the hearts and minds of his audience.
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
