Lee Greenwood is set to release a new song with a surprising co-writer
Lee Greenwood, the man behind “God Bless the USA,” has lent his talents to a new patriotic song. The accomplished musician has revised and recorded a song originally penned by former president Ronald Reagan.
While many remember Reagan for his political career, the former Hollywood star also tried his hand at songwriting. In the mid-70s, he met Mike Curb, founder and chairman of Curb Records. After the pair quickly hit it off, Reagan invited Curb to assist with his presidential campaign for the 1976 election.
Curb told Fox News Digital that much of their work was done while stuck in California traffic. He recalled:
“Back in the ’70s, there’s so much traffic in California that I used to travel with them. And on several occasions, we wrote songs together. One of them was the theme for the convention in 1980 that played. It was called ‘Together, a New Beginning.’”
Curb looked back fondly on the time spent with his late friend and shared:
“He was an amazing guy. Because, you know, when you’re sitting in the back seat with him, it was like you were sitting with your next-door neighbor. Very down to Earth. I think all my friends, whether they’re Republicans or Democrats, they kind of look back at Reagan as the good old days.”
When Reagan ultimately lost the presidential election, he used the disappointment as inspiration for two additional songs. Curb attempted to cheer up his friend by reminding him, “God has a greater plan.” Coincidentally, Reagan’s beloved wife, Nancy, commonly used that phrase.
As a result, “God Has A Greater Plan” was written, followed shortly thereafter by a song titled “We Can Begin The World Over Again.”
Lee Greenwood records “Start The World Over Again”
“We Can Begin The World Over Again” was presented to Lee Greenwood by a producer many years later. Greenwood felt that the song “was never completed.” He said:
“The idea was to make the world over, and how naive that is, but what a beautiful thought that is.”
Greenwood was well acquainted with both Reagan and Curb and was signed to Curb Records for a portion of his career. This rapport allowed him the chance to redo the song with a new title, “Start The World Over Again.” He remembered:
“I redid the song for them, they loved it.”
Greenwood told The Tennessean that he specifically wanted to tie the song to Reagan’s legacy and bring awareness to “how much he believed in the United States as the greatest symbol in the world for freedom.”
“Start The World Over Again” to be released on the Reagan film soundtrack
The biopic Reagan, which follows the life of the politician, debuted in August 2024 and starred actor Dennis Quaid. A collection of songs will soon be released on the film’s “Inspired By Soundtrack,” including Lee Greenwood’s version of “Start The World Over Again.”
Country singer Sara Evans has also recorded a rendition of “God Has A Greater Plan” for the project.
Watch the official trailer for the Reagan film below!