Ronald Reagan’s Songwriting Credit Revived as Lee Greenwood Records New Tune

The late President Ronald Reagan has posthumously received songwriting credit for a new song recorded by Lee Greenwood. The track, titled “Start The World Over Again,” features on the album, “Reagan: Songs Inspired by the Film,” released by Curb Records on March 15, 2024. This album follows the success of the original soundtrack that premiered in theaters last year.

The new album showcases contributions from various artists, including Travis Tritt, Tanya Tucker, Marty Stuart, and Alabama, among others. Greenwood’s rendition of Reagan’s song, which he co-wrote with music executive Mike Curb, marks an interesting revival of a collaboration that dates back to the 1970s. Curb, who served as California’s lieutenant governor and has a notable career in the music industry, expressed his enthusiasm about this project.

In a statement to The Western Journal, Curb said, “The song ‘We Can Begin The World Over Again’ means a lot to me because it was Ronald Reagan’s idea and he wrote most of the lyrics. I completed the lyrics and put a melody to it.” The title was slightly altered by Greenwood for the album.

Curb has a rich history in the music business, having worked with notable artists like Hank Williams Jr., Wayne Newton, and Anne Murray. His label, Curb Records, produced numerous hits during the 1970s, including The Four Seasons’ “December 1963 (Oh What A Night)” and Debby Boone’s “You Light Up My Life.”

The song’s inspiration can be traced back to a quote from Thomas Paine, who wrote, “We have it in our power to begin the world over again.” Curb emphasized the song’s relevance, especially as it resonates with themes of renewal and hope.

Musically, “Start The World Over Again” echoes the style of Greenwood’s earlier hits, particularly his 1984 anthem “God Bless the USA,” which became emblematic during Reagan’s presidency. Notably, Greenwood performed at the Republican National Convention in 1988, with Reagan and First Lady Nancy Reagan in attendance.

A significant lyric from the new song poses the question, “Could we start the world over again? Would we stand strong or fall?” This line reflects Reagan’s sentiments during a tumultuous time in America marked by economic challenges and political unrest. His campaign slogan in the 1980 presidential election against Jimmy Carter, “Let’s Make America Great Again,” has since echoed through subsequent political campaigns, notably those of former President Donald Trump.

Greenwood shared his thoughts on the song, noting that Curb provided him with the unfinished work. “The idea was to make the world over, and how naive that is, but what a beautiful thought that is,” he remarked. The artist expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to rework the song, which has been well received by Curb Records.

The album “Reagan: Songs Inspired by the Film” is now available on streaming platforms such as Apple Music, allowing a new generation to connect with Reagan’s legacy through music. As the world reflects on historical figures and their contributions, this collaboration serves as a reminder of the enduring impact of music and its ability to inspire hope and change.