Songfacts®:

• Legend signaled his support for presidential candidate Barack Obama by debuting this song at the Democratic National Convention in Denver on August 25, 2008.
• This was co-produced by the producer and songwriter Devo Springsteen, who in 2003 launched Legend's career by signing him to the G.O.O.D. Music record label. Also credited was legendary English producer Trevor Horn ("Video Killed The Radio Star," "Two Tribes").
• Legend told CNN why he wrote this political rally cry with a straight forward message: "I figured I could be ironic, I could be subtle, or I could be cynical, but why not just go out there and say it, you know. Let's make that anthem, try to get people to rally without being ashamed of the clearness and the boldness of the message. Let's just say it."
• Legend expanded on this song to SoulTracks: "There is a yearning in a way, because you're wanting people to join you. When I'm out there doing my work for the 'Show Me' campaign, sometimes you wonder if anybody's listening, or if they care enough about the issues to make a difference. The song is a call to action, a call to arms for anyone who has a mind to contribute and the motivation to actually do it. What we're trying to say is that the time is now, we've already waited long enough to start working on the issues that we need to handle as a country and as a globe. We're talking about poverty, ending the war, and we need more people out there who are clamoring for change, it's not just about electing Obama, it's just about the mindset and putting pressure on the politicians to be more responsible."