If You’re Out There by John Legend

1/16/16:

Song Lyrics:

If you hear this message, wherever you stand
I'm calling every woman, calling every man
We're the generation
We can't afford to wait
The future started yesterday and we're already late

We've been looking for a song to sing
Searched for a melody
Searched for someone to lead
We've been looking for the world to change
If you feel the same
Then go on and say

If you're out there
Sing along with me
If you're out there
I'm dying to believe that you're out there
Stand up and say it loud
If you're out there
Tomorrow's starting now
Now, now

No more broken promises
No more call to war
Unless it's love and peace that we're really fighting for
We can destroy hunger
We can conquer hate
Put down the arms and raise your voice
We're joining hands today

John Legend has been a long time, go to music artist of me.  I have looked over the majority of his songs and this is one of my favorites.  The song comes from John Legend’s album Evolver which was released in 2008.  The song was actually debuted at the Democratic National Convention in support of Barack Obama’s run at the presidency.

The song is very inspirational to listen to.  John Legend’s voice is beautiful, one of the best I’ve heard.  The simplicity of the beat lets the lyrics shine through more than anything.  The lyrics are moving and clear.  Legend is attempting to unite people all over to make a change, a positive change that should begin now.  This song was released six years ago.  Six years ago was a very different time.  Obama is now in the final year of his second term as president.

John Legend’s song was eventually put up on Obama’s campaign website as a free download.  Obviously Obama’s run for presidency succeeded.  In my opinion, he has done many good things for our country.  I hope future leaders take the strong responsibility of improving our nation.

I took the song as John Legend’s attempt to get people to stand up for what is right.  “If you are out there” basically means “if you agree with me” then help fight the world’s issues today.  He advocates for peace instead of war, a better economy (2008 wasn’t our best year), and just a better world in general.  The main themes expressed in the song have to do with the idea that we need to make a change.  He wants the nation to have hope, and take action on creating a better tomorrow.  The song is perfectly fitting not only for the time it was released but anytime.  We should always strive to be better as a nation.  There are plenty of issues needing to be solved.  We are out here and we are the ones who should strive to make a difference.

The power of music always has the ability to capture my mind.  The beat a song has, the voice singing it, and what the voice is actually saying all has a powerful impact.  I look forward to hearing John Legend’s future music.