An Illustrated Song: Russ Lee's "Live What I Believe" with George W. Bush (VANITY)

me

[lawgirl]

Welcome to (as far as I know) Free Republic’s first “Illustrated Song”. Some songs just naturally bring certain images to your mind, and as I listened to this song, the following images came to the forefront of my mind and reminded me that you can see President Bush’s words and beliefs coming to life in his face. Hopefully you will agree with me that the photos illustrate the song well.

This song was recorded by Christian artist Russ Lee, and this version came out right after President Bush’s inauguration. Russ Lee took W’s words and interspersed them into his own song. When I first heard this song, I was moved to tears. This song is about taking a stand as a Christian, which our President has done. This song kicks off with President Bush’s reply at the Iowa Republican primary when asked to name the philosopher that had the greatest influence on his life: “Christ, because he changed my heart”, and uses words from, mostly, President Bush’s first major speech as President-Elect from the Texas House of Representatives in December 2000. He was talking about unity and his vision for our country, and I think a lot of it is still very relevant in our post 9/11/01 world.

I put this together as a tribute to our President. It’s no mystery around here how I feel about President Bush. What a blessing he has been to this country, and to me. His leadership, devotion to faith, and his willingness to allow us to glimpse his heart and see Christ shining through are an inspiration to me. He has reminded me that, no matter who you are, Christians have no excuse for hiding their faith. He has taken heat for his faith, and has remained faithful. I pray God blesses his example.

Below, President Bush’s words are in blue, and the song lyrics are italicized. The song is copywrited by Sparrow Records and was written by Russ Lee and Doug McKelvey. It can be found on Russ Lee’s album “Words in Time” and the original is a little bit different than this version. I encourage all of you that have this song, to pull it out and listen to it as you look at the pictures and read the thread—that makes it best experience IMO.

I hope you all enjoy this illustrated song. May God bless our wonderful President George W. Bush and may God Bless America!

"Live What I Believe" – Russ Lee with President George W. Bush
by Russ Lee and Doug McKelvey

Voiceover: When George W Bush was asked to name the philosopher that had the greatest influence on his life, this was his answer:

Christ, because he changed my heart

These are the days
For the children of faith
To stand up and be counted

I believe things happen for a reason

Now is the time
For the light in us to shine
On whoever's around it

I ask for you to pray for this great nation

One life can be the proof
Of the hope that is You

I'm gonna live what I believe
I'm gonna walk that line
If it costs me everything
I'm gonna stand for what is right

I will swear to not only uphold the laws of our land, I will swear to uphold the honor and dignity of the office to which I have been elected, so help me God

The world will see God's grace
When we work and we pray
And then love like we mean it

Now it is time to find common ground
And to build consensus
To make America a beacon of opportunity in the 21st century

Well, I think we're in it
One life can be the proof
Of the hope that is You

I'm gonna live what I believe
I'm gonna walk that line
If it costs me everything
I'm gonna stand for what is right

So that everyone can see
It's Jesus that they need
I'm gonna live what I believe

I know America wants reconciliation and unity

There's a passion deep inside
(I’m gonna live what I believe)

I know Americans want progress

For my life to testify

And we must seize this moment and deliver

Lord, let me be used
As a witness for You
With faith and conviction

Together guided by a spirit of common sense, common courtesy, and common goals
We can unite and inspire the American citizens

(Live a life)
Gonna walk that line
(Live what I believe)
(Live a life)
I'm gonna stand for what is right
(Live what I believe)

I ask for your prayers for leaders from both parties
Hey, it's Jesus that they need

I'm gonna live what I believe
I'm gonna walk that line
If it costs me everything
I'm gonna stand for what is right

So that everyone can see
It's Jesus that they need

I'm gonna live what I believe

I thank you for your prayers for me and my family

I ask for you to pray for this great nation

And if it costs me everything
(Live what I believe)

I will swear to uphold the honor and dignity of the office to which I have been elected, so help me God

I’m gonna live what I believe
(Live a life)
(I’m gonna live what I believe)
(Live a life)

Christ.

I want everyone to see

(Live what I believe)

Because he changed my heart
(So everyone can see)
I’m gonna live what I believe

It is more than an office
It is a charge to keep
And I will give it my all

[Mudboy Slim]

"RE-Impeach!!"
(To be sung to the Fabulous Thunderbird's "Wrap It Up")

I've been stalkin' you for years now, Willie!!
'Cuz I LOATHE yer sleazy ways, you Traitor!!
Ya know my Cause shall never fail, Slick Willie!!
Justice fer Treason...Yer MUD's Bitch, Bill Clinton!!

RE-Impeach...Convict Slick!!
RE-Impeach...Dethrone Him!!

Bill, no more shall you walk around FRee, Willie!!
You know MUD's got the best thing in town now baby.
Right's got all the proof of Treason, Willie!!
Bring your lovin' straight to me now baby.

RE-Impeach...Convict Slick!!
RE-Impeach...Dethrone Him!!< RE-Impeach...De-Pension!!
RE-Impeach...INDICT SLICK!!

(solo)

RE-Impeach...Imprison!!
RE-Impeach...Fer Treason

Well, we're gonna FReep you like the Queer you are...
Sing you sweet songs from MUD's TobackkyBar!!
MUD's got tricks he ain't never used.
Give in, WillieClinton, you shall be abused!!

I've been stalkin' you for years now, Willie!!
'Cuz I LOATHE yer sleazy ways, you Traitor!!
Ya know my Cause shall never fail, Slick Willie!!
Justice fer Treason...Yer MUD's Bitch, Bill Clinton!!

RE-Impeach...Convict Slick!!
RE-Impeach...Dethrone Him!!
RE-Impeach...De-Pension!!
RE-Impeach...INDICT SLICK!!

(FReep!! FReep!!)

BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA...MUD

[azGOPgal]

Awesome job lawgirl. And when I say awesome I mean Overwhelming. Breathtaking. Remarkable. Tremendous. AWE-INSPIRING.

Such a great tribute to a President who has never once disappointed me. Sure I might not always agree with President Bush, but at least I can rest assured that all of the decisions he makes, he makes with consideration of the American people and what's in our best interest. Because he lives by God, I know that he has great guidance. President Bush and First Lady Laura Bush are such a breath of fresh air. It is such a relief to have a couple in the White House who have strong morals and values, and who actually respect their morals and values. I do believe that things happen for a reason. Maybe the election debacle was to show the American people that the presidency isn't the most important thing in President Bush's life. I believe that he was elected in order to pull us out of our darkest hour. I believe he was elected in order to restore America's faith in her leaders, and to show people that you can be an honest man who praises God, loves his wife dearly, respects everyone around him, and can look damn good all at the same time! Many people questioned George W. Bush, and his abilities to run our Country. Now people are in awe of him. What a magnificent job he has done.

I have never been more proud to be an American in my short 19 years of life than I have been now.

God Bless George W. Bush and Laura Bush everyday.

[friendly]

Outstanding post. Fours stars are awarded. You are one of those very, very few lawyers I can praise.

[MHT]

Can't help lovin' that man.....

[mtngrl@vrwc]

I believe that he was elected in order to pull us out of our darkest hour. I believe he was elected in order to restore America's faith in her leaders, and to show people that you can be an honest man who praises God, loves his wife dearly, respects everyone around him, and can look damn good all at the same time! Many people questioned George W. Bush, and his abilities to run our Country. Now people are in awe of him. What a magnificent job he has done.

Great post, AZGOPgal! I do believe that God has given this country a chance to redeem herself after electing x42 not one, but TWO times! I still can't believe that the impeached one was given a second term. Unbelievable! We didn't deserve a second chance, in my opinion, but God saw fit to grant us one.

George Bush being underestimated has given him quite an advantage during this first term. While they thought he didn't have the intelligence to undermine their goals of moving this country down the slippery slope towards socialism, the Democrats and media (well same thing) didn't notice while he just moved ahead towards moving this country once more in the right direction. I can't say how much I admire GWB. We are indeed fortunate to have him as our president.

[Republic]

Oh....................Lawgirl.................This is wonderful! Thank you so much! The pics, the words, the song, what an uplifting experience!

[rwfromkansas]

I was mistaken now that I have gotten back to the dorm room. The Psalm 23 is from a different song about Sept. 11 with some Bush statements mixed in; it is not from the Russ Lee song.

What is your e-mail address?...I will send you the file if you want it.

[swheats]

This was a great treat considering the present news of LA winner. Helps me to stay focus on what we really have.

I know this is off topic. The players might have changed but the number one issue is still National Security and how to get it done. Hopefully someone can point me to info on the "sugar" issue. And how can Landrieu make a difference because of it?

[JoeSixPack1]

O U T S T A N D I N G !!!!!!!!

Thank you, swheats for the music link.

[lawgirl]

Thank you all for your kind words--I am so glad you liked this thread. It was a blast to put together, but it was also very touching and looking closely at photos of our president reminded me of what a wonderful person he is. I still can't believe he's our President.

Our President is such an inspiration--not only for threads like this ;-D but to us all. If he can take a stand for his beliefs where he knows he will be ridiculed and attacked by SO many Americans, why can't I?

[lawgirl]

Mudboy---

MEL GIBSON??? that is who you put up against Russell?? Have you seen all of Russell's films? NO ONE can hold a candle to him! LOL!

[lawgirl]

lawgirl, I don't know that I've ever been moved so much by anything that has been posted on FR.

WOW WvNan--that is a huge compliment. Thank you!

[MistyCA]

Yes, why can't you indeed! You go girl! :)

[lawgirl]

AzGOPgal--you said it all about President Bush. I look at photos of him like these and I am still amazed God let us have him as our President. God knows we didn't deserve such a smart, loving, capable president after the sad excuse for a president we had before W.

I am really happy you enjoyed the thread!

[lawgirl]

When you're a lawyer and work with other lawyers, you need all the inspiration you can get! LOL! President Bush's example is a daily reminder. If he can do it, I can too.

[lawgirl]

CyberAnt--thanks for sharing your experience. (I LOVE Don Evans--he seems like such a smart, nice man.) I am sure the President read your letter- I am sure words from his supporters were a great solace and encouragement during that difficult time. I think you chose fantastic words to tell him!

[Mo1]

Hopefully someone can point me to info on the "sugar" issue. And how can Landrieu make a difference because of it?

When you figure it out .. please ping me cause I don't get it either ..

But I'm a Yankee .. so what do I know .. LOL

[LurkerNoMore!]

Awesome job, lawgirl.

[MistyCA]

Having a lot of experience working with lawyers, I fully understand! :)

[lawgirl]

Thanks! I am glad you enjoyed the thread.