Introduction
“If I Can Dream” is a song written by Walter Earl Brown and recorded by Elvis Presley in 1968. It was released as the closing track on his comeback album, ’68 Comeback Special. The song was notable for its political and social message, which was inspired by Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech.
Brown wrote the song in response to the assassination of King in April 1968. He was deeply moved by King’s message of peace and equality, and he wanted to write a song that would express his own hopes and dreams for a better future.
Presley first performed the song live on the ’68 Comeback Special, which was broadcast on NBC on December 3, 1968. The performance was a huge success, and the song quickly became one of Presley’s most popular recordings.
“If I Can Dream” has since been covered by many other artists, including Celine Dion, who performed a duet with Presley’s hologram on the television show American Idol in 2007.
Did You Know?
“If I Can Dream” is a powerful and moving song about the power of hope and dreams. It is a message of hope for a better future, and it is a reminder that we can all make a difference in the world.
The song begins with a simple, yet haunting melody. Presley’s vocals are soft and gentle, as he sings about his dreams for a better world. He sings of a world where “children are safe from harm,” and where “there’s no need for war.”
The chorus of the song is a soaring anthem of hope. Presley sings, “If I can dream, why can’t we all dream? We can make the world a better place.”
The song reaches its climax in the final verse, when Presley quotes from Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech. He sings, “I know that someday we’ll look back on all this and be proud of what we’ve done. We’ll be proud of the progress we’ve made. We’ll be proud of the world we’ve created.”
“If I Can Dream” is a timeless classic that is still relevant today. It is a message of hope and inspiration for all who hear it.
Why is this song so important?
“If I Can Dream” is an important song because it is a reminder that we can all make a difference in the world. It is a message of hope and inspiration, and it is a call to action to create a better future for all.
The song is also important because it was recorded at a time of great social and political upheaval. The United States was in the midst of the Vietnam War, and the country was deeply divided on issues of race and social justice. “If I Can Dream” was a message of hope and unity during a time of great turmoil.
Today, “If I Can Dream” is still a relevant song. We are still facing many challenges, including climate change, poverty, and inequality. But the song reminds us that we can overcome these challenges if we work together and never give up on our dreams.
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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 flyDeep 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