Exclusive Premiere: An Anthem For Change

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.

Comments

[JFaye]

BRAVO!!!

This Anthem for Change truly embodies a reawakening of the American Spirit so many long for in this great country of ours.

I pray America gets it right this time. Four more years of Bush-like politics is four more years too much ... one more day too much for all those Americans who are struggling to keep one home; one more day too much for Americans trying to feed their families, or simply gas up a vehicle to travel back and forth to work. America, the patriotic thing to do is to get it right! Take back our country from the lobbiests, special interest, self-interest politicians growing richer amid a spend, spend, spend Congress.

Four more years is too much for our Veterans who have sacrificed life, limb and family to have an even greater fight back at home for benefits and services to help put their lives back together. Let's support our troops by getting it right this time America. Something has got to change to give us a different and better outcome.

[PennP]

This is such a beautiful song and video. I liked the will.i.am one, but this one is sweeter.

[EdinWA]

Ummm... The first time I saw this it took a while for me to realize it wasn't another McCain ad about Obama hype being crazy.

This is the kind of thing that will sink Obama.. it is a worship video.. to him..

In America we don't want a King and especially don't want a god.. and this kind of video just vindicates all that McCain has been saying about Obama and his supporters­..

If this keeps up he loses.. it only makes Mccain's weak base support stronger and scare the heck out of us independent voters... Obama lost me with the campaign speech in Berlin.. I realized he lacks the maturity and humility for the office.. If he runs again in 4-8 years I will listen again.. but this campaign scares me... at least McCain knows he is human and admits he has made mistakes..

Do you people not get it.. the McCain people figured it out.. America doesn't like self important people and blind followers scare us.. this video could be run as the most damaging McCain ad ever almost without change..

Even if Obama gets over believing his on PR.. this kind of worship scares me too much to vote for him this time.. people he is a Senator.. not a God... you do not pray to Senators!!!

[loper2008]

Republican try to make Obama's power a bad thing, but it's not. This song does not worship Obama, it just shows how many people want change in this country. Obama is the person we want to see as president, but we believe in the core of America's princliples first.

Last time I checked it was a good thing to have a leader who people actually respected.

[JohnMayer]

Pay no attention to the butterfly stompers. I’m an agnostic, a skeptic and a cynic, and I’m not sure I’m even going to vote for Obama (but I sure as hell ain’t voting Repugnatan), but I still found this rather moving.

[Mahi Joe]

The only ones who seem to put Obama on a pedestal are you repubs so you can try to knock him off. This song isn't about Obama worship, it's about us, Americans, and the hopes and dreams we have and wish to see accomplished.

[SeanGardner]

This is an awesome video, and quite timely considering Obama is giving his speech on the 45th anniversary of MLK's March on Washington. And the multi-cultural, multi-racial, multi-ethnic, and multi-generational participants is genius!!! Why? Because Martin Luther King spent his last birthday in the basement of EBENEZER BAPTIST CHURCH in Atlanta, strategizing with latino activists, jewish activists, asian-american activists, black activists, native-american activists, and white activists from Appalachia. That was awe-inspiring to read.

And now Obama, on the door step of history, has an opportunity to marry historical lessons of Dr. King with the millenial realities of a richly diverse country that is more robustly diverse than the previous day. In fact, Obama's family is a mini-United Nations: from blacks, whites, asians, and all points in between. I LOVE IT!!!

This video will do everything the WILL.I.AM viral video did: mobilize, enthuse, inspire, captivate, motivate, and be yet another catalyst. Progressives on this thread taking shots at the video for the religious reference, and for the celebrities in it it, need to calm down: Obama is leading, and leading BIG with key (and under-polled and under-represented) groups.

Indeed, this is video can only be helpful.

[OldKnute]

YES!!!!

Together,, TO BUILD.

You know what I like about Barak?

He tells it like it is. People,, the coming years are NOT going to be easy. We all know that hard times are ahead,,, the sorrows of the nation have not even seen bottom yet. Not even close.

So Barak is NOT offering warning,, he is offering preparation. The TRUTH on his lips,, One man may lead,,, BUT it will take the sweat, sacrifice, long hours of hard work to turn this Ship of State around. From the Heartland and Farms of America, to the Boardrooms and Offices of Business,,, from the factory floors, to the homes in distress. Gather your children,, keep them close.


WE CAN,,, WE WILL,,, WE MUST,,,, TOGETHER!

Organize,, even if it is just 3 people, meet in public, grow your groups, gather support, talk with others, make no disturbances, turn away from ALL who show ANGER, and always,, always,,, film EVERYTHING. Document anyone and everyone. new faces at Church, people that seem just a bit too happy to join your groups. Stay close to those you have known for years, family, Pastors, trusted community leaders, call friends you have grown apart from.

And prepare to VOTE. Focus on the VOTE.

And REMEMBER,,,,, there is only ONE thing on earth more dangerous than a wounded animal,,,, that is an Empire in Decline.

BE SAFE! Keep the children CLOSE.

Our November LINK!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnHpraG8DW4


All the best

Knute Neo-LIB

[mrman]

It's 10:30 at night ans I'm crying...w­ith joy! The most compelling election video EVER!
We are STRONG TOGETHER!

[koyak23]

me too !

O should play this video just before walking out to make his acceptance speech and take the stage about half-way through the video.

[Bobonze]

Beautiful!!!
It's a good reminder of how Barack, and his supporters, have inspired all kinds of people to get involved. Thanks to all the great Artists who took part in the video and Dave Stewart for the composition!

It's a beautiful song, and a decent video, and it speaks volumes!

[poeticjustice4all]

Decent "old school" video. A sort of low-rent "We Are the World." As an anthem, the meandering lyrics leave a little something to be desired, but the music has some sweet possibilities for a good guitar solo. I'm just surprised that when Obama got to the top of the mountain, he saw Joe Biden there.

[rcwblessed]

Oh... Bah Humbug!!!

[arethabaez]

Should of had Baez singing, the only one in the video that worked w/ MLK and certainly the one Stewart's tribute must be referring to with the "40 years of singing ANTHEMS OF CHANGE".
Where's Lady Soul?

[xxx19826]

5 STARS GREAT JOB

[ZimboChick]

America this is your time to reach the top of the mountain

[wanked]

I pray Obama has at least 1/4 the compassion MLK has for the poor huddled masses....­..

[NYTIG1066]

This is the election I've waited for my whole life. One America...
This song and video are amazing I hope it is played the largest screen they can get at the convention in Denver!

[OldKnute]

NYTIG

YESSSS!!!!

Simple! ----- America is learning how to SING again.

Together!

All the best

Knute Neo-LIB

[ekelly]

I can't describe how this song hits me. I was sitting here tearing up....so powerful, so hopeful, and puts 8 and more years of crap....I am so choked up. I so miss the positive feelings for goverment I had in the past with progressive politics and social change. My prayer is like Bonos, and thanks for helping us see ourselves as we used to be Bono! You are a genius....­.

[hellakali]

me too...gawd­! especially in the part with MLK's speech...t­his video makes me wanna stop anyone that tries to comes in the way from letting this man win this election. Obama did well with this! Loved the faces in it!

[InformedAmerican]

B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L video!

MLK aka "The Dreamer"
BHO aka "The Dream"

OBAMA '08-'12

[ZimboChick]

u said it!! *wipes away tears*

[rcwblessed]

He's back!!!

GodSpeed Obama!!!

[Yohomegirl]

MLK went to the mountaintop, this is what he saw. Beautiful! MLK had a dream, we are beginning to live it.

[wanttruth]

Great video. Very moving!!!