If I Can Dream

Elvis Presley

About If I Can Dream

"If I Can Dream" is a song made famous by Elvis Presley, written by Walter Earl Brown and notable for its direct quotations of Martin Luther King, Jr. The song was published by Elvis Presley's music publishing company Gladys Music, Inc. It was recorded by Presley in June 1968, two months after King's assassination. The recording was first released to the public as the finale of Presley's '68 Comeback Special.


Year:
2009
3:09
41 

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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 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

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Elvis Presley

Elvis Aron Presley (January 8, 1935 – August 16, 1977) was an American singer and actor. A cultural icon, he is commonly known by the single name Elvis. One of the most popular musicians of the 20th century, he is often referred to as the "King of Rock and Roll" or simply "the King". more »

39 fans

Written by: Walter Earl Brown

Lyrics © RALEIGH MUSIC PUBLISHING, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Release Date and Album
"If I Can Dream" was released in November 1968 as a single from the album "Elvis" (also referred to as the "68 Comeback Special" soundtracks album).
Inspiration
The song draws its inspiration from a statement made by Martin Luther King Jr. about his dream of freedom and equality, which resonated with Presley during the civil unrest period in the United States.
Songwriter
"If I Can Dream" was written by W. Earl Brown specifically for the climactic final performance in Elvis' 1968 NBC television special, known as the "68 Comeback Special".
Chart Performance
The single peaked at number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States, whilst reaching number 11 on the UK Singles Chart, and was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
Non-Gospel Spiritual Tale
Although the song was break from Presley’s traditional gospel roots, the song carried a spiritually intense, prophetic message during the turbulent social and political climate.
Elvis' Personal Attachment
Presley frequently performed "If I Can Dream" in his concerts until his death in 1977, demonstrating his strong personal attachment to the song.
Album Re-release
A reimagining of the song was released on the 2015 album "If I Can Dream", which featured new instrumental tracks by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
Lyrics
The song's lyrics are about striving for a better world, which were a contrast to Presley's previous hits that largely focused on love and heartbreak.
Popularity
The song remains popular to this day, continuing to be covered by numerous artists and featured in various pieces of media, including film and television.
Golden Globe Nomination
The song influenced the title of the 2018 documentary "Elvis Presley: The Searcher", which received a nomination for the Golden Globe Award for Best Television Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television.

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    "If I Can Dream Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 24 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/18956340/Elvis+Presley/If+I+Can+Dream>.

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    If I Can Dream

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1969

    Billboard #12


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