Yes We Can

Album: Single Release Only (2008)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This features some snatches of Barack Obama speeches. George confirmed to the London Times October 3, 2008 that he's an Obama supporter, "but the song's personal: it's about addiction, getting clean." He added that the second verse is for Amy Winehouse personally.
  • The song features a plaintive plea, "Please forgive these crimes against myself." The London Times asked George who he is asking for forgiveness? The singer replied: "Myself, of course – although with my addiction it was only later I realized that I was hurting my family and friends."
  • "Yes We Can" was something Barack Obama said repeatedly in his speeches as he ran for president in 2008. His supporters rallied around the phrase, and will.i.am produced a popular video based on his speech.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Director Paul Rachman on "Hunger Strike," "Man in the Box," Kiss

Director Paul Rachman on "Hunger Strike," "Man in the Box," KissSong Writing

After cutting his teeth on hardcore punk videos, Paul defined the grunge look with his work on "Hunger Strike" and "Man in the Box."

Yoko Ono

Yoko OnoSongwriter Interviews

At 80 years old, Yoko has 10 #1 Dance hits. She discusses some of her songs and explains what inspired John Lennon's return to music in 1980.

Phone Booth Songs

Phone Booth SongsSong Writing

Phone booths are nearly extinct, but they provided storylines for some of the most profound songs of the pre-cell phone era.

Mark Arm of Mudhoney

Mark Arm of MudhoneySongwriter Interviews

When he was asked to write a song for the Singles soundtrack, Mark thought the Seattle grunge scene was already overblown, so that's what he wrote about.

Name the Character in the Song

Name the Character in the SongMusic Quiz

With a few clues (Works at a diner, dreams of running away), can you name the character in the song?

Penny Ford of Snap!

Penny Ford of Snap!Songwriter Interviews

The original voice of Snap! this story is filled with angry drag queens, video impersonators and Chaka Khan.