The Story Behind "If I Can Dream"—Still Giving the Feels 54 Years

In 1968, Elvis Presley ended the Singer Presents...Elvis (now known as the 1968 Comeback Special) with a song for the times. Presley never wanted to send out political messages, the closest he ever came was with his moving performance of "In the Ghetto".

In 1968 Elvis performed "If I Can Dream" for the 1968 Comeback Special to reflect the world at that particular time. Fifty-four years later, the song has resurfaced to speak to the world today thanks to the new hit biopic, "Elvis"

Baz Luhrmann's Elvis (Official Trailer)

In the movie "Elvis", Baz Luhrmann recreates the stage for the 1968 Comeback Special which includes actor Austin Butler singing Elvis' "If I Can Dream".

Barbra Eden (90) speaks about working with Elvis

The movie "Elvis" and the accompanying soundtrack introduced Presley to a new generation. His songs and songs from a host of artists from the soundtrack are now climbing the charts globally.

But the song that Elvis sang in the dark, ending up in the fetal position on the floor with mic in hand (studio version 1968), is the song that's freshly becoming the song of today.

Lyrics: [Verse 1] 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?

[Verse 2] 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.

[Bridge] 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. (He can fly)

[Verse 3] Deep 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, oh yeah. And while I can think, while I can walk, while I can stand, while I can talk, while I can dream, please let my dream come true, oh...right now. Oh let it come true right now. Oh, yeah.
(Right now)