Elvis Presley – The Impossible Dream

Introduction:

“The Impossible Dream (The Quest)” is a timeless ballad that has been performed by a number of iconic artists, including Elvis Presley. The song originally comes from the 1965 Broadway musical Man of La Mancha, written by Mitch Leigh (music) and Joe Darion (lyrics). In the musical, the song is sung by the character Don Quixote and has since become a symbol of hope, perseverance, and idealism. The piece is deeply embedded in popular culture due to its inspiring and uplifting lyrics, often interpreted as a message of never giving up, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges.

Elvis Presley’s version of “The Impossible Dream” was first recorded live during one of his concerts at the International Hotel in Las Vegas in 1971. Although Presley was primarily known as a rock and roll artist, this song represents his versatility as a performer, as it leans more into a theatrical and orchestral pop genre, closer to a Broadway-style ballad. His heartfelt rendition of the song was included on the live album Elvis as Recorded at Madison Square Garden, released in 1972.

The live recording captures Elvis during one of the peak moments of his Las Vegas concert years. His performance of “The Impossible Dream” stood out due to its emotional intensity and powerful delivery, reflecting the kind of musical diversity Presley had embraced in the later stages of his career. He often included the song in his setlists as a closing number, signifying its importance to him as an anthem of perseverance and personal triumph.

Although Elvis’s recording did not reach the commercial heights of his earlier rock-and-roll hits, it has become an iconic part of his live performances, showcasing his ability to transcend genres and deliver theatrical, emotionally resonant music. “The Impossible Dream” has since become a fan favorite, remembered as one of the defining moments of his live shows during the 1970s. Its inclusion in his Madison Square Garden performance solidified its place as an essential part of Elvis’s concert repertoire.

Video:

Lyrics:

“The Impossible Dream”

To dream the impossible dream
To fight the unbeatable foe
To bear the unbearable sorrow
To run where the brave dare not goTo right the un-rightable wrong
To be better far than you are
To try when your arms are too weary
To reach the unreachable star

This is my quest, to follow that star
No matter how hopeless
No matter how far
To fight for the right
Without question or pause
To be willing to march into hell
For a heavenly cause

And I know if I’ll only be true
To this glorious quest
That my heart will be peaceful and calm
When I’m laid to my rest

And the world would be better for this
That one man scorned and covered with scars
Still strove with his last ounce of courage
To reach the unreachable star

And the world would be better for this
That one man scorned and covered with scars
Still strove with his last ounce of courage
To reach the unreachable star