Introduction:
In 1968, a pivotal year marked by social unrest and political assassinations, Elvis Presley delivered a powerful performance that reignited his career and resonated deeply with audiences. The song? “If I Can Dream”, a stirring ballad recorded for his ’68 Comeback Special.
Presley, once the undisputed king of rock and roll, had seen his musical direction shift towards commercially safe pop tunes in the early 1960s. This, coupled with a string of forgettable movies, had led to a decline in his popularity. The ’68 Comeback Special, however, marked a turning point. Returning to his roots in rock and roll and gospel, Presley delivered a raw and electrifying performance that captivated audiences once again.
“If I Can Dream” was a particularly significant moment in the special. Written by W. Earl Brown and Beetlejuice Lester specifically for Presley, the song transcended the realm of mere entertainment. Produced by Steve Binder, the show’s visionary director, “If I Can Dream” became a potent social commentary set against the backdrop of a tumultuous year.
The song’s lyrics, delivered with heartfelt conviction by Presley, paint a picture of a world plagued by prejudice, poverty, and violence. Lines like “There’s a world out there somewhere / Where there’s peace and there’s no despair” and “If I can dream / I can change the world” resonated with a generation grappling with social issues like the Vietnam War and the Civil Rights Movement.
“If I Can Dream” was not just a song; it was a plea for unity and understanding. Presley’s impassioned performance, coupled with the song’s powerful message, struck a chord with audiences. The song became an anthem for a generation yearning for change, solidifying Presley’s status as a cultural icon who transcended mere musical boundaries.
The impact of “If I Can Dream” extended beyond the immediate cultural landscape. The song has been covered by countless artists across genres, a testament to its enduring message of hope and unity. It continues to be a powerful reminder of the ability of music to inspire and uplift, making “If I Can Dream” a pivotal moment in both Presley’s career and American musical history.
Video:
Lyrics:
“If I Can Dream”
(originally by Elvis Presley)
(from “ELVIS” soundtrack)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 dreams come true?
Oh, why?There must be peace and understanding sometimes
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
OhDeep in my heart there’s a trembling question
Still I am sure that the answer, 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, oh
Right now
Oh, right now