I Can Dream, Can't I? (from Right This Way): Lead Sheet / Fake Book

This lead sheet captures one of the era's most charming standards in its purest form, letting your singers discover the melody and harmonic movement without arrangement distractions. The straightforward fake book format works equally well for pianists accompanying vocalists, singers developing interpretive choices, or jazz students learning to navigate chord changes with style.

Optimistic and yearning, with a conversational melody that feels both intimate and buoyant. The harmonic language is warm and straightforward, inviting singers to add their own interpretive color while the supportive chord structure anchors the performance.

Vocalists building a jazz or swing standard repertoire will find this an essential tool for learning the tune's harmonic foundation. Pianists accompanying singers in lessons or performances can use this for quick reference and flexible comping, while jazz ensemble members or small combo players need the changes without the weight of a full arrangement.

• Anchor the melody's phrasing to the underlying swing feel; resist the impulse to sing it straight ahead, even in a ballad tempo.
• Explore the chord voicings with light comping rather than block chords; the Andrews Sisters' recordings suggest sophistication through restraint.
• Pay attention to lyrical inflection where the melody rests; the space between phrases is as expressive as the notes themselves.

Feature this as a solo vocal number in a jazz or American Songbook concert, or pair it with other standards from the same era for a cabaret-style showcase. It works beautifully in pops programs celebrating midcentury vocal harmony, and its approachable melody makes it ideal for introducing high school vocalists to the fake book format.

• Reading and interpreting lead sheet notation with chord symbols
• Navigating jazz harmony and common progressions
• Developing interpretive freedom within a structured melodic framework
• Comping and accompaniment techniques from chord changes
• Swing phrasing and rhythmic placement in vocal music