Prayer [Khululeka] feat. The Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu

by James Stewart

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I had a 'hymn-like' chordal progression at my fingertips which both wouldn't go away (usually a good sign) and which I didn't know what to do with. It resonated musically, but was stylistically miles away from the music I was writing as an up and coming singer/songwriter.

I sent a voice note to my dear friend and collaborator Andy J Gundel, excusing myself in advance if he thought it was rubbish. His thought was immediately to send it to his friend, Grammy award winning songwriter (From a distance/ Bette Midler) to see whether she might be interested in getting involved lyrically. She was! Within a very short space of time she had replied with a complete lyric which I was able to sing onto a piano-side demo.

Things snowballed from there and before we knew it it had found it's way to the offices of Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, who we pitched to do a 'spoken word' version in exchanged for funds raised being directed to his Desmond Tutu HiV Research Foundation.

Please download and share so we can support his very important work.

lyrics

Prayer [Khululeka]

Feel the heart of the world
Beating for creation
Let our love fall like rain
Drowning all our hatred

Lift us up, way up from all we’ve become
‘til our souls, like soaring birds are finally free
We’ll be finally free

When we share unconditionally
You and me will be finally free

Hear the voice of the world
Singing from each nation
We’re a brave choir of passionate fools
Who believe it’s still not too late For Love

Hear our Prayer
Lift us up
Lead us back
Back to Love

credits

(c) 2005 James Stewart/Julie Gold/A.J. Gundell
Smack!Songs, SAMRO/Julie Gold Music, BMI/A.J. Gundell Music, SESAC
Performed by James Stewart and Archbishop Desmond Tutu
Used with Permission/All Rights Reserved

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about

James Stewart Cape Town, South Africa

Emmy nominated, Multi SAMA award-winning, chart topping singer/songwriter, producer and musical entrepreneur.
Asked to describe himself, James Stewart offers simply: “musician”. Could he elaborate? He suggests “Couldn't I just hum it instead?” ... more

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