Album Notes

Moving original songs by Chris to motivate and inspire, together with three new verses to “America The Beautiful”, (following the first loved verse by Katharine Lee Bates) create an album of encouragement and inspiration for us through the 2008 Presidential election and the years ahead, as the future of America, and the well being of its people hang in the balance.

It is truly Up To YOU (us all) – the PEOPLE – of this beautiful country to make a difference on how we move forward!

"…that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government OF THE PEOPLE, BY THE PEOPLE, FOR THE PEOPLE, shall not perish from the earth."
Abraham Lincoln
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
November 19, 1863 - 145 years ago!

Many of us forget that politicians are public servants, paid by our tax dollars to create and manage a system of governance for the citizens of America. The intense interest, comment and participation during the 2008 Presidential election process, has shown that the people of America are realizing that “governance” left unbridled creates the catastrophes we are now living through. “Who’ll pay for this price, if not you!” is a line in the song “It’s Up to You”, re-written by Chris in 2004. In fact there are two versions of this song on this CD! Why? Because the lyrics to both songs are totally relevant during the run up to the election, and even more so following it. Choose which you prefer to encourage your fellow citizens to join in helping their country! Some snippets of the lyrics from both songs:

"The best leader is the one who will uphold the light
Not only for some but for everyone
To follow through each human right
So have the courage to see what will matter the most
There are values to hold much more precious than gold
Or oil from some far away coast"

"My country, ‘tis what we choose it to be
Land of the free, home of the brave
The choice in our hands is to see
Wars are raging while the killings they make still accrue
But when all has been said and rights have been read
Who’ll pay for the crime if not you?"

"It’s up to you, deciding the future for all
Nations and races, cultures and creeds
Diversity, our maker’s call
It’s up to you to choose how the story will end
Are you holding out, or closing the book,
Or continuing to pretend"

"Stand for what’s true or bow to more confusion …
It’s Up To You!"
Copyright 2004 Chris Van Cleave

The following words were heard many times during the 2008 campaign: “I know we can. I've seen it happen. And I will work every day to do it again as your President. BUT I CANNOT DO IT ALONE. GOVERNMENT CANNOT DO IT ALONE.” Barack Obama

The list of the challenges that the new President has been left to deal with is more than any single person should ever be asked to deal with. It will take years, patience and perseverance, and a collective courage to repair the damage. Perhaps the tables need to be turned so that the inspiration we have received in the run up to the election, can now be given back to the man, and the administration, we are asking to shoulder the burden of turning things around for us all.

It’s Up to YOU (us all) to vote and, in the years ahead, to support and keep accountable, the new President and administration.

Many thousands of Americans believe that we are at a turning point of America’s future standing in the world. America IS beautiful. May the new lyrics written by Chris in 2000 to “American The Beautiful“ help inspire us all to recognize our blessings and potential. (First beautiful verse is still the original, written by Katharine Lee Bates)

“Destiny” reminds us of the wakeup call Mother Earth has been giving us for way too long:

“Behold how our Earth Mother's weeping
Why is it so hard to see?
We hold her Life within our keeping
While we decide our Destiny”

“New Beginnings” finishes this five song album with some joyful celebration!

I hope you enjoy this mini-album and feel inspired to visit Chris’s website www.vancleavemusic.com
Judith Van Cleave

For Chris’ bio, see details on his “Beyond…See Beyond” album also with CD Baby!