About the song
Ah, “If I Can Dream”, a captivating duet that transcends generations and musical styles. To witness the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley, join forces with the powerhouse vocalist, Celine Dion, is a testament to the enduring power of music. Though separated by time and genre, their voices intertwine on this song, creating a powerful message of hope and unity.
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Elvis Presley needs no introduction. From his electrifying performances in the 1950s to his enduring influence on popular music, he remains a cultural icon. His signature blend of rock and roll, gospel, and R&B captivated audiences worldwide. Celine Dion, on the other hand, rose to prominence in the late 1980s with her powerhouse vocals and unparalleled technical skill. She has become synonymous with ballads and powerful emotional delivery.
So, what happens when these two titans of music come together? “If I Can Dream” is not just a song; it’s a statement. Originally written by Walter Earl Brown, Beverly Jean Mauldin, and orephus Beckeh Jr., the song was released by Elvis Presley in 1968. It marked a departure from his earlier, more playful rock and roll sound. “If I Can Dream” is a ballad, a heartfelt plea for a better world. The lyrics paint a picture of a world yearning for peace, understanding, and brotherhood. Lines like “There must be lights burning brighter somewhere” and “There must be peace and understanding sometime” resonate deeply, particularly in the context of the late 1960s, a time of social unrest and political upheaval.
The song’s significance is further amplified by the unique pairing of Presley and Dion. Elvis, with his raw emotion and rock and roll swagger, delivers the verses with a yearning intensity. Celine Dion, with her soaring vocals and operatic training, complements him perfectly, adding a layer of elegance and hope to the chorus. Their contrasting styles create a beautiful tension, highlighting the universality of the song’s message.
“If I Can Dream” transcended its original context. In 2007, for the television show American Idol, Celine Dion performed the song as a virtual duet with Elvis Presley. This technological feat brought these two musical giants together once more, reigniting interest in the song and its powerful message.
“If I Can Dream” is more than just a duet; it’s a testament to the unifying power of music. It transcends generations and genres, reminding us that the yearning for a better world is a universal human desire. So, when you listen to “If I Can Dream”, take a moment to appreciate the unique pairing of Elvis Presley and Celine Dion, and allow yourself to be swept away by their voices and the enduring message of hope they carry.
Video
Lyrics
“If I Can Dream”
(from “Elvis (NBC TV Special)” soundtrack)
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?
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?
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’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… right now
Let it come true right now
Oh, yeah