If I Can Dream — This Friday’s Song

This Friday’s song is “If I Can Dream” by Elvis Presley. This song was written by Walter Earl Brown in June 1968 as the finale for Presley’s Comeback Special which was to be broadcast that December. Presley had originally planned to end with “I’ll be Home for Christmas.” Presley was devastated by the assassination of Martin Luther King in Memphis in April 1968. Brown used King’s “I Have a Dream” speech as inspiration for the song. Presley’s performance was clearly from the heart and spoke to everyone.

I was in the 8th grade at Saugus Junior High School in 1968. I remember going to class and hearing about King’s assassination. There was so much turmoil in the country at the time. Voices like KIng and Presley called on us…begged us…to do better. When you see how much people are still screaming at each other, you have to wonder how deeply disappointed they would be that we still don’t live in a world “where all my brothers walk hand in hand.”

I have attached two videos. The first is the cut from the show. The second is a piece that gives the background on the song. Take a few minutes to listen, think about and enjoy “If I Can Dream” by Elvis Presley. Hope you enjoy!