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

[lbrillante]

This is great! I hope that they can fix the editing snafu's!

[liseworks]

I posted this song below, but here's the best version - Joan Baez version : Forever Young.
We haven't had such "inspirational, hopeful" sentiments expressed since the 60's ....dig into 60's music, then you'll understand -

May God bless and keep you always,
May your wishes all come true,
May you always do for others
And let others do for you.
May you build a ladder to the stars
And climb on every rung,
May you stay forever young,
Forever young, forever young,
May you stay forever young.

May you grow up to be righteous,
May you grow up to be true,
May you always know the truth
And see the lights surrounding you.
May you always be courageous,
Stand upright and be strong,
May you stay forever young,
Forever young, forever young,
May you stay forever young.

May your hands always be busy,
May your feet always be swift,
May you have a strong foundation
When the winds of changes shift.
May your heart always be joyful,
May your song always be sung,
May you stay forever young,
Forever young, forever young,
May you stay forever young.

[hopefidiworl]

thanks for ur contribution liseworks

[Jezreel]

Thanks for sending out beautiful thoughts Liseworks.

[reasonshouldrule]

WOW! They should show this at the convention in prime time.

[keepingfaith]

My thoughts exactly!! Wonderful song! Wonderful anthem for a bright new day. Awesome!

[brighterside]

As I man who is in his 30s. After watching this video I just couldn't help crying. Yes there is hope. Its time to heal our nation. Vote Obama!!

[liseworks]

I love it when men express like this - keep it flowin' !!

[poeticsinger]

Wow. That filled me up...GREAT JOB

[cackal]

Beautiful

[theone718]

We CAN'T we just CAN'T let this moment pass by. We must do what is best for this country and elect Barack Obama.

[murphysgirl]

Very inspiring and upliftiing...They should show that on national TV or at least cable..

[TheEmptinessOfTruthiness]

Very nice. Manages to express a kaleidoscope of conflicting emotions simultaneously.

Like a sunrise.

[wedapeepo]

I'm sorry to have to admit that I was beginning to believe the Clintons and McCain camps claims about our guy being all rhetoric and no substance, however, this video helps to reminds me that there is a lot more to be said about hope than meets the eye.

Obama 08! Hope is good!

[justobserve]

Beautiful song!

[Coinyer101]

bono's my favorite human,but,he's tied with barack,now!

[midlot]

What got me? The last minute and that simple, searing poem about the extraordinary American journey by all those who sacrificed to get us here and call us on.

When you get to the top of the mountain, will you tell me what you see
If you get to the top of the mountain, remember me.

[Truthfighter1]

Like i said all along, Obama is holding back until this convention, the HOPE message is about to come back, he couldn't run it all summer he had to give it a break.
Hope and Inspiration is what got him this far so he's definetly going to go back to the bread and butter of his message during and after the convention. I think we will see him go back to the big crowds and inspire millions americans all over again.
These guys know what they are doin, the news cycle plays too fast and stories get old quick, you have to coordinate your big moves.

Let's go Obama!

[research]

Nice song.

[Adrienne Williams - Huffpost Blogger]

Very nice..... I love themes of hope! We can do it American --- what action will you take?

[Coinyer101]

whatever i can,whatever it takes.this is 'the fierce urgency of now'.hope is a powerful force.we wouldnt be here without it.i think i'm really proud of my country for the first time in my 43 years as a human.

[DamianG]

Yes... The fierce urgency of now.

I have 4 nephews and 1 niece all just reaching voting age and they all are going to vote for O bama.

My cousin works for the O bama campaign.

My family all understands the fierce urgency of now. Out of the gate O bama has over 30 people who will vote for him and we will not sit idly by this year not this time.

We all live in Colorado. Let's make this state Blue!