International
AMERICAN PRAYER SONG on iTunes: or text "CHANGE" to 69937 to get your "American Prayer" ringtone
FOR MORE DETAILS ABOUT SONG
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.
LYRICS
This is my American Prayer
This is my American Prayer
This is the time to finish what you started
And this is no time to dream
This is the room
We can turn off the dark tonight
Maybe then we might see
American Prayer
American Prayer
And this is the ground
That keeps our feet from getting wet
And this is the sky over our head
And what you see depends on where you stand
And how you jump will tell you where you're gonna land
American Prayer
American Prayer
My oh my
Couldn't get much higher
Lets not kick out the darkness
Make the light brighter
And these are the hands
What are we gonna build with them?
This is the church you can't see
Give me your tired, your poor and huddled masses
You know they're yearning to breathe free
This is my American Prayer
American Prayer
American Prayer
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
LIST OF GUESTS IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE:
Dave Stewart
Forest Whitaker
Amy Keys
Macy Gray
Jason Alexander
Colbie Caillat
Whoopi Goldberg
Joss Stone
Buju Banton
Ann Marie Calhoun
Barry Manilow
Linda Perry
Cyndi Lauper
Sergio Mendes
Herbie Hancock
Mike Bradford
Margaret Cho
Cindy Gomez
Speech
Joan Baez
Daedelus
Pamela Anderson
Peter & Gordon
Sierra Swan
Nadirah X
Perez Hilton
What ever what people says about Obama.
I belive its going to be Better. I love my country and im very happy that Obama is now USA President.
So People talk Crap about HIM, It wont change things! Because He is the President Of United States Of America You like it or not!
ya, and you could consider hitler the president of germany, too!!!!
By rbvtwin 1226243772 Reply Spam [+0] Moderate Up Moderate Down Removehow everyone seems to think this guy can make everything wonderful. He is a president, not a king. This "Black" thing is driving me nutts.... because he is black is going to be the best president? ....Honestly, what the hell is going on here. If America was always 80% black then we could blame america great wealth and power on them, but it's not... Actually crime education and other factors/statistics will tell you some very sad stories about race in our country.
By Shep78 1225974956 Reply Spam [+0] Moderate Up Moderate Down Removewatch my videos
hillarious , witty
balls get a life you knobs
By jahman1 1225855725 Reply Spam [+0] Moderate Up Moderate Down RemoveYou're right. Conservative websites are already alluding to this video as further proof. That can't help.
By stevefox247 [Affiliate User] 1219431565 Reply Spam [+0] Moderate Up Moderate Down Removecome now BobbyFUCKEDsteele...YOUR are the repuliKKKan who thinks that RACE & RELIGION = AMERICA....Sorry Dude...try to Karl Rove Spin my statement...BUT guess what?
Welcome to the 21st century. This NATION was created for GREATNESS and NEOCONS are NOT part of the solution.
By M.J. Rosenberg
This is sweet.
And it's a reminder of what this is all about. No matter who the VP is, this is the most important election of our lives (not just just the lives of the 20 somethings but even the 80 somethings.
Those of us who lived through the 60's are hardwired to expect the worst and to believe that, in the end, the reactionary geezer will win.
But who would have thought Barack Obama would have gotten this far? Not me. But it sure is a privilege to be part of it.
And it also doesn't help that it appears that Macy Gray in this video is wearing a black panthers shirt...correct me if I'm wrong here.
By stevefox247 [Affiliate User] 1219431352 Reply Spam [+0] Moderate Up Moderate Down RemoveThis video is long, derivative and ultimately embarrassing. The song is uninspired. The lingering video of MLK at the end is inappropriate. I am an active Obama supporter, and this sort of thing just plays into McSame's hands. And even produced by a Brit -- great.
By bakobitz [Affiliate User] 1219431215 Reply Spam [+0] Moderate Up Moderate Down Removevery well said
By stephenmlny [Affiliate User] 1219431161 Reply Spam [+0] Moderate Up Moderate Down RemoveThis is amazing...Tomorrow I am canvasing for Obama...YES WE CAN!!!!
By Adril82 [Affiliate User] 1219431161 Reply Spam [+0] Moderate Up Moderate Down RemoveI'm an Midwestern, independent white male who from day one, have always been against the Iraq war. A swing-voter in fact. That said, I was on the Obama train last year until I found out about Rev Wright and saw Barack's racebaiting and identity politics. But I do not like John McCain either. The media and Hollywood are killing Barack's chances w/ too much coverage and Hollywood's cult-like videos like this one. Obama supporters...this video does not help your cause. The polls bear this out.
By stevefox247 [Affiliate User] 1219431102 Reply Spam [+0] Moderate Up Moderate Down RemoveIt is better to be thought a fool then to open your mouth and remove all doubt. Why do people write such horrible disturbing comments? Obama has my vote compared to what's out there how can this even be a question, we do not need a bush on steriods for president...lets give obama a chance, he can speak wonderfully and he has good ideas for change. Fighting violence with violence doenst make sense...lets see what he can do. :)
By ecabantog [Affiliate User] 1219431025 Reply Spam [+0] Moderate Up Moderate Down RemoveBobbySteeele McGrumpy's campaign started out with nothing but negative ads Re" Britney and Paris, but he was just joking right?. Obama had nothing but ads on the economy the energy crises etc.
So who has nothing to offer when all you show is pictures as a POW, there are 100's of POW and that does not qualify them for President. Experieince seems to mean I'm just old. Haven't accomplished S**t , just sat around here 30 years with the seat my heiress wife bought and got OLD.
as someone who is in the same boat as you, I feel alot more comfortable as a democrat. I don't look for handouts. I just think that my government shouldn't work against me. When Obama says "The Government can't do everything" and he emphasises the importants of self and parental responsibility, it makes me appreciate him as a candidate more.
By jkpcguru [Affiliate User] 1219430874 Reply Spam [+0] Moderate Up Moderate Down RemoveHey BobbyFUCKEDsteele...although I did NOT call you a BIGOT...I will say that YOU ARE ONE.
HOW DARE YOU try to tell AMERICANS that REPUBLIKKKANS are pro-civil rights?
Yes...you stated that you're physically disabled BUT dude...NO WAY IN HELL...can your comments be forgiven about CIVIL RIGHTS.
I am NOT disabled BUT I thank GOD that your disabled ASS did NOT vote for my CIVIL RIGHTS.
WTF...
Obama is running for President of all the people or did you not see the video?
I have been on this board quite a bit and you bushbots have come out of left field on everything but at least none of them have been as outright bigoted as you.
Keep throwing that racist, anti-semitic rhetoric out there. It shows your real stripes.
nzingamina...
Nice comment from a typically peaceful Liberal.
You're like the hippie who threatens to kill cripples who disagree with his fascistic hateful view on the world.
No... it's about HISTORY. And the fact that the entire Obama campaign is nothing more than the Emperors New Clothes.
Sure Obama can say he opposed the war - he wasn't a U.S. Senator at the time, so we really don't know.
And as far as trying to call me Bigoted, you know nothing about me, personally, or the countless trials I've faced due to birth defects and disabilities. All you see is someone who disagrees with what you say - and since you can't back your word up, you demean me.
lol...OMG...McCaint speak AT ALL...no C**t try for OLD senile McCain/McBush.
By nzingamina [Affiliate User] 1219429965 Reply Spam [+0] Moderate Up Moderate Down RemoveF**king cult of personality... no substance, can't even speak without a teleprompter. the man is a fucktard which is doubly proved by all the mindless fucktards following him blindly and buying his bs.
By sloggin420 [Affiliate User] 1219429876 Reply Spam [+0] Moderate Up Moderate Down RemoveThe mainstream media is owned by 4 corporations all of which is your buddy McSame's posse. Who are you trying to convince? Yourself.....LOL!!!
By rock2casbah [Affiliate User] 1219429827 Reply Spam [+0] Moderate Up Moderate Down RemoveYeah...
Go on blindly following the latest media hype.
Obama, "My Messiah" as the German spouted to the News after he spoke at the Rock Concert / Free Beerfest.
The guy's a puppet. He's associated with terrorists, slumlords. his own house was purchased under shady conditions in a deal with a man who is a shady slumlord.
Great video!!!! Go OBAMA!!!!
Bobbysteele that's the second time you said bigoted things. You keep yelling about race and religion neither of which anyone brought up on this Board. Obama is running for President of ALL AMERICANS. You better look in the mirror to see who the Hitler is around here.First it's about racists, now it's about Jews.
Come again dude with your Republikkkan history of Civil rights and you will be bitch slapped back where your party belongs in...NEVER NEVER LAND...lol
By nzingamina [Affiliate User] 1219429587 Reply Spam [+0] Moderate Up Moderate Down Remove"Change" ...is something that presses us out of our comfort zone. It is destiny-filtered, heart grown, faith built. Change is for the better It is uncomfortable, it upsets our control over outcomes. Change is fear to those who won't let go. Change is needed when all the props and practices of the past no longer work. We don't grow in retreat, but through endurance. Change isn't fixed by crying, worrying. Change is won by victors not victims; and that choice is ours.
By 5ee14m [Affiliate User] 1219429442 Reply Spam [+0] Moderate Up Moderate Down Remove"Change"... is awkward -- at first. Change is a muscle that develops to abundantly enjoy the dynamics of the life set before us. Change calls own strength beyond anyone of us. Change pushes you to do your personal best. Change draws out those poised for a new way. Change isn't for chickens. Change does have casualties of those defeated. Change changes the speed of time. Change is more fun to do than to be done to. Change seeks a better place at the end and is complete when you realize.
By 5ee14m [Affiliate User] 1219429428 Reply Spam [+0] Moderate Up Moderate Down Remove"Change"... is measured by its impact on all who are connected to it. Change is charged when you are dissatisfied with where you are. Change doesn't look for a resting-place; just the next launching point. Change is only a waste to those who don't learn from it. Change happens in the heart before it is proclaimed by our works. Change uses the power invested in the unseen to reinvent what is seen.
By 5ee14m [Affiliate User] 1219429416 Reply Spam [+0] Moderate Up Moderate Down RemoveBobbyFUCKUPsteele...history lesson:
Southern Democrats and Southern Republicans opposed it. So did top Republican leaders — including Barry Goldwater, the 1964 Republican presidential nominee, and Ronald Reagan, the future Republican president. Goldwater said the 1964 act violated states' rights. Goldwater (and Reagan) also opposed the 1965 Voting Rights Act as "unnecessary" — though without it Southern blacks had been effectively disenfranchised and with it they regained the right to vote.
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