Elvis Presley

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
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

[Verse 2]
There must be peace and understanding sometime
Strong wind 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?

[Bridge]
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 (He can fly)

[Verse 3]
Deep in my heart, there's a trembling question
Still, I am sure that the answer's... 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, oh, right now

[Outro]
Let it come true right now
Oh, yeah

If I Can Dream by Elvis Presley is a timeless classic that has stood the test of time. The song is a non-gospel gospel song that was heavily influenced by the famous Martin Luther King Jr quote “I Have a Dream.” It is one of the most powerful and meaningful songs ever recorded by The King and has inspired millions of people around the world.

About If I Can Dream

If I Can Dream by Elvis Presley was written by Walter Earl Brown, and it was Elvis' first post-Comeback Special single. The song was recorded on June 23, 1968, and speaks to the social and political issues that were plaguing America at the time. The song's connection to Martin Luther King Jr's "I Have a Dream" speech is clear throughout the track, and this is what gives it its enduring power and significance.

The song opens with the powerful lines: "There must be lights burning brighter somewhere / Got to be birds flying higher in a sky more blue." These lines set the tone for the song and hint at the hopeful message that Elvis aimed to convey. The song's first verse deals with the themes of hope, justice, and equality, and it starkly contrasts with the reality of 1968 America.

The second verse opens with the line: "There must be peace and understanding sometime." This line is a direct reference to Martin Luther King Jr's dream of a world in which all people are treated equally regardless of their race or background. The song's message of hope, peace, and unity is carried through to the end of the track, which concludes with the powerful lines: "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."

Elvis' version of If I Can Dream is a powerful and emotive performance that showcases his range as a performer. The song's arrangement is grand and sweeping, with a full orchestra backing Elvis as he delivers each line with passion and conviction. The backing vocals are also a standout feature of the track, adding to its emotional impact and power.

Despite initial hesitation from Elvis' manager, Colonel Tom Parker, over the song's suitability for the King's image, Elvis was insistent that he was only going to perform songs that he believed in. The song's release was a commercial success, reaching #12 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

But what really sets If I Can Dream apart from other songs of its time is the emotions it stirred in its listeners. The song's message of hope and unity was especially poignant given the social and political climate of 1968 America. Many people found solace in the song's message and were inspired to work towards a better future for themselves and their fellow citizens.

Overall, If I Can Dream by Elvis Presley is a timeless classic that has inspired countless people over the years. Its message of hope, unity, and justice is as relevant today as it was when the song was first recorded over 50 years ago.

So go ahead, give If I Can Dream a listen, and allow yourself to be moved by its powerful message and emotive performance.

• Release Date: November 5, 1968
• Artist: Elvis Presley