"If You're Out There" is the second single from John Legend's album, Evolver, which features the Agape Choir. The song was released digitally on August 24, 2008. It was inspired by Barack Obama's presidential campaign and was later posted as a free download on Obama's website.iTunes viewable content Barack Obama | Change We Need | John Legend , barackobama.com The song also alludes to Gandhi's quote, "Be the change you want to see in the world," with the lines "We don't have to wait for destiny / we should / be the change that we / want to see.
Performances
Democratic National Convention
The song was performed live during the Democratic National Convention in Denver on August 25, 2008.Legend debuting song at Democratic convention, reuters.com The performance featured the Agape International Choir.Grammy Winning Recording Artist John Legend Scheduled to Premiere 'If You're Out There,' an Anthemic Call-to-Action for Our Times, During Historic Performance Opening the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver, Monday, August 25, earthtimes.org
2008 Latin Grammy Awards John Legend appeared to perform the song in duet with Colombian rock singer Juanes during the 9th Annual Latin Grammy Awards at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas on November 13, 2008. The version they performed was sung mostly in Spanish by both singers, with only a few lines in English.
2009 NBA All-Star Game John Legend appeared at halftime of the 2009 NBA All-Star Game and performed the song. Lyrics were alternated between English and Spanish, with the Spanish portions sung by Juanes. The song has been used in "NBA Cares" PSAs which encourage community service.Legend, Juanes to perform at halftime of All-Star Game , January 27, 2009
Charts Chart (2008)PeakpositionU.S. Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles10U.S. Billboard Bubbling Under R&B/Hip-Hop Singles17UK Singles Chart135Dutch Singles Chart41
References
External links John Legend performs "If You're Out There" at the 2008 CNN Heroes All-Star Tribute