About the song
Background
- A Time of Unrest: “If I Can Dream” was performed against the backdrop of a turbulent 1968. The Vietnam War was raging, and the assassinations of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Robert Kennedy sent shockwaves through the nation.
- Elvis’s Comeback: After years focusing on movies, Elvis was seeking a return to musical relevance. The ’68 Comeback Special aimed to revitalize his career with a blend of old hits and new material.
- Original Inspiration: The song was written by Walter Earl Brown specifically for Elvis and inspired by the social and political climate of the time.
Lyrics
The lyrics express a yearning for a better world, free of hate and division:
- The Desire for Unity: Lines like “There must be lights burning brighter somewhere/ Got to be birds flying higher in a sky more blue” express hope for something beyond the turmoil.
- Dream of Peace: “If I can dream of a better land/ Where all my brothers walk hand in hand” envisions a world of peace and equality.
- Call for Action: The song doesn’t just long for change; it motivates. Phrases like “We must have the courage to dream” subtly urge listeners toward action.
Themes
- Hope: The song’s core theme is that hope for a better future sustains us through difficult times. Even in darkness, a dream of something better keeps us going.
- Equality and Unity: It advocates for a world without prejudice and division, where everyone is treated with respect and dignity.
- The Power of Dreams: The song emphasizes that dreams hold power. They ignite our desires and fuel the will to make change.
Impact
“If I Can Dream” served as the powerful closing number of the ’68 Comeback Special. Its message of hope resonated deeply in a nation seeking healing. The song became one of Elvis’s defining anthems, continuing to inspire people with its message of peace and a yearning for a better tomorrow.
Video
Lyrics
There must be lights burning brighter somewhereGot to be birds flying higher in a sky more blueIf I can dream of a better landWhere all my brothers walk hand in handTell me why, oh why, oh why can’t my dream come trueOh why
There must be peace and understanding sometimeStrong winds of promise that will blow away the doubt and fearIf I can dream of a warmer sunWhere hope keeps shining on everyoneTell me why, oh why, oh why won’t that sun appear
We’re lost in a cloudWith too much rainWe’re trapped in a worldThat’s troubled with painBut as long as a manHas the strength to dreamHe can redeem his soul and fly
Deep in my heart there’s a trembling questionStill I am sure that the answer, answer’s gonna come somehowOut there in the dark, there’s a beckoning candle, yeahAnd while I can think, while I can talkWhile I can stand, while I can walkWhile I can dreamOh, please let my dreamCome trueRight nowLet it come true right nowOh yeah