Sing For Life
by Bono (featuring will.i.am & Jennifer Hudson)

Album: Single release only (2020)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • On March 17, 2020, millions of Irish men and women were unable to properly celebrate St. Patrick's Day because of the Coronavirus social distance restrictions. Bono responded by writing a Lennon-ish piano ballad titled "Let Your Love Be Known" in honor of St. Patrick's Day.

    Uploaded to Instagram about an hour after it was written, Bono penned it "For the Italians who inspired it... for the Irish... for ANYONE who this St. Patrick's day is in a tight spot and still singing. For the doctors, nurses, carers on the frontline, it's you we're singing to."
  • Within a few days, Bono had turned the song into a more polished number titled "Sing for Life," featuring Will.i.am, Jennifer Hudson and Yoshiki of the Japanese rock band X. Each artist recorded their contribution in isolation at their own home.
  • Will.i.am got to hear the song before it appeared on Instagram after Bono shared it on a group chat. "I got really moved and inspired by it and I added to it and I sent it to him on the thread," he explained on the Good Morning Britain program. "We talked about creating a baton so people at home can participate - whether they're just listening to it or commenting or singing along or making their own renditions."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Kristian Bush of Sugarland

Kristian Bush of SugarlandSongwriter Interviews

Kristian talks songwriting technique, like how the chorus should redefine the story, and how to write a song backwards.

Ben Kowalewicz of Billy Talent

Ben Kowalewicz of Billy TalentSongwriter Interviews

The frontman for one of Canada's most well-known punk rock bands talks about his Eddie Vedder encounter, Billy Talent's new album, and the importance of rock and roll.

Commercials

CommercialsFact or Fiction

Was "Ring Of Fire" really used to sell hemorrhoid cream?

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?

Richie Wise (Kiss producer, Dust)

Richie Wise (Kiss producer, Dust)Songwriter Interviews

Richie talks about producing the first two Kiss albums, recording "Brother Louie," and the newfound appreciation of his rock band, Dust.

Goodbye, Hello: Ten Farewell Tour Fake-Outs

Goodbye, Hello: Ten Farewell Tour Fake-OutsSong Writing

The 10 biggest "retirement tours" that didn't take.