Sen. Orrin Hatch Pens a Song for John McCain

Barack Obama had the "Obama Girl" to sing his praises.

Now John McCain has his "Orrin Boy." That's Orrin Hatch, the Utah Republican who writes song lyrics between U.S. Senate sessions and even has a Platinum Record to his credit.

Senator Hatch has released "Together Forever," a country-pop ditty that celebrates John McCain.

"There's a time in history for a hero's destiny," the song shouts out, in a reference to candidate McCain's P.O.W. past during the Viet Nam war. There's also some contemporary political advice.

"Hey John," a female lead singer calls, in case Senator McCain isn't listening. "They're gonna hit you hard with everything they got ...They'll be calling you everything you're not."

"But sure as heaven you're bound to win," the lyrics croon reassuringly. "Start celebrating. Now let's begin. Together. Forever."

This is music you can dance AND vote to, if you're inclined toward John McCain.

In a written statement, Senator Hatch said he " ... thought John would get a big kick out of a patriotic song written about his heroism and the sacrifices he's made for our country ... I think most people will like it."

Does the McCain campaign like the song? A campaign spokesman told the Salt Lake Tribune, "We'll see Barack Obama's Bruce Springsteen endorsement and raise them an Orrin Hatch."

A spokesman for the Democratic National Committee riffed on the song's title in the DNC's response, telling the Tribune, "Once the voters get to see the real John McCain, we're sure Senator Hatch will get his wish, and he and Senator McCain can spend 'Forever Together' in the U.S. Senate."

Hatch, by the way, is bipartisan in his song-writing. He once wrote an ode to his Democratic Senate colleague and friend, Edward Kennedy, and Kennedy's wife Vicki, called "Souls Along the Way."

-- Howard Berkes

4:05 PM ET | 04-18-2008 | permalink