Earlier this year when I was recording "American Prayer," a song I originally co-wrote with Bono, the phrase, "When you get to the top of the mountain, remember me" seemed to take on a whole new resonance, given the inspirational candidacy of Barack Obama.
The song always contained one of my favorite passages from Dr. King, which was hauntingly delivered the night before he was assassinated. King says: "I just want to do God's will. And He's allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I've looked over. And I've seen the Promised Land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the Promised Land!"
People long for a connection -- whether it is to music, to their country, or to a big idea. Regardless of what happens in November, Senator Obama has reminded millions of people that they have the power to connect to bigger ideas. He is, in essence, the embodiment of a new anthem for change. He has continued King's narrative from what was once thought of as a dream to a reality. I find it especially relevant that Barack Obama will accept the Democratic Party Nomination for President 45 years to the day of King's "I Have a Dream" speech.
When we were originally writing the song, Bono was crafting the words in a way that would make people think about the fact that 'America' as a concept was a truly great idea, based on the bedrock of equality. I find it more pertinent than ever to release it now; to the moment America finds itself in, daring to re-imagine itself and its place in the world.
When I set out to make a video for the new version of this song, I wanted to honor all of those millions of people, especially young people, who are, for the first time, feeling empowered to voice their beliefs. I wanted to capture how Obama's message of change has echoed across the broad fabric of what is America. To do that, we've cast the film with an eclectic array of personalities, including Forest Whitaker, Jason Alexander, Whoopi Goldberg, Cyndi Lauper, Barry Manilow, Joan Baez, Macy Gray and Joss Stone. They appear alongside veterans, teachers and everyday citizens -- all of whom have been touched by this simple idea of change.
As an Englishman, I'm not an expert in all the intricate details of American politics. But as an artist, I understand how rare it is to inspire a connection to a bigger idea or purpose. This video isn't so much an endorsement of Barack Obama as much as it is a celebration of all those who have picked up a sign, who have registered to vote and are working to make the world a better place. So as Senator Barack Obama ascends to the mountain top, let us not forget all of the others who for the past 40 years have sung anthems of change to make this moment possible.
Watch the video for "American Prayer" here:
Fans are invited to upload their own video for the anthem at MyAmericanPrayer.com
Click here to download Dave Stewart's "American Prayer" from iTunes and here to download the ringtone from MyXer.
Having been around in the Sixties and seen the dreams carried by JFK and particularly Bobby Kennedy, I am saddened by the inability of so many who are too young or two cynical to even try to open their hearts to the idea -- as Dave says -- "that they have the power to connect to bigger ideas." Yes, they can do a simulation of it in church, but fail to realize the power of such a movement in this country. So, they mock anyone who purports to envision such a dream, even when that dream already has captured the involvement of millions. And, even more sadly, they'll see (or, more likely, hear a distorted summary of the song from Bill O'Reilly) and think that the term "American Prayer" envisions some messianic status to Obama. And they'll miss the point.
Still, we need to carry the message to one listener at a time. The heart can be penetrated in many ways. Messr. Stewart's song and video is a great weapon.
That is so beautiful and moving.
There are so many of us who want this to happen. We outnumber the ones who do not and we have to do everything we can to elect Obama-Biden. Obama has set up the system. All we have to do is follow his directions and get the his voters out. And then after the victory, continue to work together. He is "organizing" America and we all have to do our part and follow his lead.
Can we mix the vid with your permission?
CI
http://offthebus.ning.com/profiles/blog/show?id=2136616%3ABlogPost%3A10927
Thanks!
mj