SCOTT SIMON, host:
One week ago today at the Live 8 concert in Ontario, Neil Young presented a new song, "When God Made Me." It was his first performance since suffering a brain aneurysm last spring. And after the events of this week, it seems worth another listen.
(Soundbite of "When God Made Me")
Mr. NEIL YOUNG (Singer/Songwriter): (Singing) Was he planning only for believers or for those who just have faith? Did he envision all the wars that were fought in his name? Did he see there was only one way to be close to him?
Mr. YOUNG and FISK UNIVERSITY JUBILEE CHOIR: (Singing in unison) When God made me, when God made me.
Mr. YOUNG: (Singing) Did he give me the gift of love to say who I could choose?
Mr. YOUNG and FISK UNIVERSITY JUBILEE CHOIR: (Singing in unison) When God made me, when God made me. When God made me, when God made me.
Mr. YOUNG: (Singing) Did he give me the gift of voice so some could silence me? Did he give me the gift of vision not knowing what I might see? Did he give me the gift of compassion to help my fellow man?
Mr. YOUNG and FISK UNIVERSITY JUBILEE CHOIR: (Singing in unison) When God made me, when God made me. When God made me, when God made me.
SIMON: Neil Young and the Fisk University Jubilee Choir at 22 minutes before the hour. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.