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

[sho97]

We absolutely must not let this country down. We are better that what we have elected to lead us the past 8 years. I even think that most republicans are better than what they have allowed to stand for us. It is time to take the other path.

[SadButWiser]

"We are better that what we have elected to lead us the past 8 years."

Yes you are much better. I still cannot compute this fact. Your choice of G.W Bush twice as your president is beyond logic.

But looking at it from a historical perspective, America times is up. McCain will be the next POTUS. His election will be last nail, and the start of the end of what was great of the USA.

Sadly, all good things have to end.

[masha2008]

agree. if mccain wins, it is the end of the america we love and respect.

[COINDIE420]

Wow,
I actually had to stop this about half way through to compose myself since I was at work and didn't want anyone to see me spritzing.......
Very beautifully done.

[liseworks]

That we may never be a naysayer to the honest emotions that hope conjure up :

On the mountains of truth you can never climb in vain: either you will reach a point higher up today, or you will be training your powers so that you will be able to climb higher tomorrow.

Friedrich Nietzsche

[CruzanKenny]

Dammit, you made me cry!
We better not screw this up.

[4-obama]

I'm so unbelievably moved by this song and they've all captured the spirit of America so beautifully; men, women and children from different backgrounds and religions, and even a couple of folks of a different sexual persuasion, all united in hope for a better future.

[toochie50]

WONDERFUL. I HOPE IT'S SHOWN AT THE CONVENTION - JUST BEAUTIFUL AND BRAVO -ONEGR8TSINGER - BEAUTIFUL POST.

[ebethgay]

Amazing.

[3jakes3]

I love this video! It is truly inspiring. Americans cannot live and/or vote out of fear any longer. These last 8 years have been disasterous. We have to take a chance and vote for change, OBAMA 08!

[nellie]

Beautiful.

[onegr8singer]

Barack has done in this country what no other has been able to do in the last several decades--that is--bring to the light--by his mere existance-- issues that needed to be dealt with--and moved past! What we are wittnessing is a struggle not so much between political parties- but between "conciousness"-"You AND me" vs. "You OR me" We all know who's who,in this matter-- Barack's SPIRIT is what people ALL OVER THE WORLD are LOVING...and that is not anything that can be scripted,or faked--Our country has been REELING since the SHOCK of 9/11, and instead of having an intelligent, kind, strong President who instilled a sense of security and wellbeing in the country--he turned out to be a bumbling , arrogant-self-rightious fool--who did more harm for this country than good-George added his own brand of "Salt-in-the wound". Barack should be awarded just for even being willing to take on the challenge to clean up the mess caused by the current administration--What a job! So in closing, Barack-Many, many blessings--My-prayer for you is continued guidance,health, always remaining open, remaining humble and THANK-YOU FOR CARING SO VERY MUCH AND FOR STEPPING UP TO THE PLATE......I'M WITH YOU ALL THE WAY---

[liseworks]

Great post !!! Your enthusiasm is contagious !

[Jezreel]

Beautifully stated Onegr8singer.

[Skeptiqone]

I cried. Please let this happen.

[kajohns74]

great tune

[bluebirder]

Hate to spoil the party, but, uh, this is for a guy who supports the *death* penalty? How inspiring.

[LiberTLover]

Lol! You have a very high and delusional opinion of yourself if you think you are spoiling this party, 'my friend' !

[liseworks]

Yep - the power of the hope is too strong for any killjoy type ....

[masha2008]

so? even catholic doctrine, on the basis of the principle of self-defense, is not against capital punishment. look it up.

[AmericaninProtest]

BEAUTIFUL SONG.

"...'America' as a concept was a truly great idea, based on the bedrock of equality..."

Equality for everyone: Whites, Blacks, Hispanics, Asians, and Everyone in between.

We have strayed from our path but there is hope to get back on the right track.

Obama '08, '12

[lisakaz2]

I thought it beautiful. Thank you.