If I Can Dream

Chords
4.7148 votes
15
Original
Lyrics & ChordsClick chords to see diagrams
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuning: Standard
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
CHORDS
E-A-D-G-B-E
Gsus4 3-x-0-0-1-3
Bb/C x-3-3-3-3-x
C7 x-3-5-3-5-x (after Bb/C)
C/G 3-x-2-0-1-0
C/E x-x-2-0-1-0
F/G 3-x-3-2-1-1
F#dim 2-x-1-2-1-x
E/G# 4-x-2-1-0-0
Dsus4 x-x-0-2-3-3
A7sus4 x-0-2-0-3-0
G#dim 4-x-3-4-3-x
D/A x-0-4-2-3(2)
G/A x-0-5-4-3-x
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
[Intro]
| C| Am| C| Am|
| C| Am| C| Am|
[Verse]
There must be Clights burning Ambrighter FsomewhereGsus4  
Got to be Cbirds Emflying Amhigher Emin a Dmsky more Gblue
If I can Cdream of a Bb/Cbetter lC7and
Where Fall my brothers walk E7hand in Amhand
C/G   Am   F   Dm7   C/E   Am   Dm   G| F/G   G|
Tell me why, oh why, oh why can't my dream come true oh, why
[Verse]
There must be Cpeace and underAmstanding FsometimeGsus4  
Strong winds of CpromisEme that will Amblow away Emthe Dmdoubt and Gfear
If I can Cdream of a Bb/Cwarmer sC7un
Where Fhope keeps shining on E7everyAmone
C/G   Am   F   Dm7   C/E   G| C   F| C   C7|
Tell me why, oh why, oh why won't that sun appear
[Middle 8]
FWe're lost in a F#dimcloud C/Gwith too much C7rain
FWe're trapped in a F#dimworld Cthat's troubled witC7h pain
FBut as long as a F#dimman has the C/Gstrength E/G#to Amdream
He can reDsus4deem his Dsoul and F/Gfly G(He can Afly)
[Verse] (+ coda)
Deep in my Dheart there's a Bmtrembling GquestionA7sus4  
Still I am Dsure F#mthat the Bmanswer, F#manswer's gonna Emcome someA7sus4how
Out there in the Ddark, there's a beckoning Gcandle, yeaG#dimh
And while I can D/Athink, while I can Bmtalk
While I can D/Astand, while I can Bmwalk
G   Em   G/A[break]
While I can dream, please let my dream come true, oh
| D| Bm|
Right now,
| D| Bm|
Let it come true right now
| D   G| D  
Oh yeah
All chords in this song (24)

The story behind the song

This powerful song was written for Elvis Presley with his admiration for Martin Luther King Jr. in mind, and in the wake of King's assassination. Its lyrics evoke themes similar to King's "I Have a Dream" speech, reflecting a deep longing for hope and understanding. When Presley first heard the demo, he declared he would never again sing a song or make a movie he didn't believe in, showing how deeply the message resonated with him. It debuted as the finale of his 1968 Comeback Special, a poignant expression of his convictions. At its heart, it plays like a heartfelt plea for a better world.

🎸 Tips from players

Got a tip for playing this song — capo position, easier chords, strumming? Be the first to share one.

About If I Can Dream Chords by Elvis Presley

Learn how to play If I Can Dream by Elvis Presley with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “If I Can Dream chords”, “If I Can Dream guitar chords”, or “Elvis Presley If I Can Dream chords” and you will find this page — transpose to any key, tap chords for diagrams, and use auto-scroll while you play. Perfect for beginners looking for easy If I Can Dream chords and for experienced players who want accurate If I Can Dream lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include E, A, D, G, B, Gsus4.

FAQ — If I Can Dream by Elvis Presley

How do I play "If I Can Dream" by Elvis Presley on guitar?

Open the free chords for "If I Can Dream" by Elvis Presley on Free Chord Book. Tap any chord to see its diagram, use transpose to change the key, and turn on auto-scroll to play hands-free.

Are the chords for "If I Can Dream" by Elvis Presley free?

Yes. The chords for "If I Can Dream" by Elvis Presley are 100% free on Free Chord Book — no sign-up required.

Can I transpose "If I Can Dream" to a different key?

Yes. Use the transpose buttons on the song page to shift "If I Can Dream" up or down by half-steps so it matches your vocal range or capo position.

Can I see chord diagrams for "If I Can Dream"?

Yes. Tap any chord in "If I Can Dream" to instantly see an interactive guitar chord diagram with alternate fingerings.

Is "If I Can Dream" easy to play on guitar?

Many players learn "If I Can Dream" by Elvis Presley with our free chords. Use transpose and chord diagrams to simplify tricky shapes, and browse related songs by Elvis Presley below.

What key is "If I Can Dream" in?

The chords for "If I Can Dream" show the original chord names (including E, A, D, G, B, Gsus4). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.