The following was excerpted from a 1994 publication “Elvis Rock ‘n’ Roll Legend” by Susan Doll about the televised “The ’68 Comeback Special” which featured this song as its closing.
“Elvis had always been an attractive man, but on this program he was radiantly handsome and his voice had never been better.  The producer/director wanted Elvis to sing some of his old hits and reminisce about his early career.  He was supposed to talk to the audience informally, giving his opinions on the modern music and telling stories about the good old days, but Elvis couldn’t quite bring himself to be so open.  Instead, he joked casually with his backup musicians and let his music speak for him.  He sang with such vigor and freshness that the old songs sounded different, almost new.  Elvis’s vocal range had lowered through the years, and he had gained confidence and control. In part this was why the songs sounded new.  Yet, on another level, Elvis was singing with an intensity of purpose, and he met this challenge with a passion.  The show ended with an original song, “If I Can Dream,” which featured a spiritual message in a hip, soulful arrangement making for a dramatic finale.”

Thanks!

~bluebarsa

note: IMO this song is perfect for David. The ’68 Comeback Special has long been a favorite of mine…we refer to this performance as “Black Leather Elvis” around my house, even though here he changes clothes… the passion, the power…such a man is a thing of beauty, and a thing of beauty is a joy forever.    ~happy

If I Can Dream performed by Elvis Presley

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

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 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.