Willie Nelson Peace Research Institute has the honor of featuring “The Next Country Over” composed by Matthew Andrae and Richard Ian Greene. “The Next Country Over” represents the quintessential song for peace based not only on its lyrics but because of the nature of the song’s presentation to the world.

In 2002 Matthew Andrae performed “The Next Country Over” at the Winter Olympic Games in Salt Lake City, Utah. Matthew had the honor of performing the finale song for the 18th Annual World’s Largest Concert (WLC) which was presented by the National Association for Music Education (MENC) from the Mormon Tabernacle.

“The World’s Largest Simultaneous Prayer for Peace”.

 Matthew Andrae along with 8 Million Children Sang for Peace in front of a television audience of 12 million people.

“When they did, it truly was a sound heard ’round the world.”

 ”The Next Country Over” offers a peaceful solution by suggesting the Power of Music will bring people from diverse cultures together in peace. Yes, we might recognize differences but if we remain open we have a chance to listen to the stories and songs of all our neighbors and share our stories and songs with them.

This becomes a perfect opportunity to reach out and comfort people who have lived through tragedies of war and inequity. By listening to their viewpoints and treating them as friends, we pave the way for global peace. Matthew and Richard remind us that this compassionate display of humanity becomes a way to honor the spirit of every human being.

Willie Nelson Research Institute would like to thank Matthew Andrae and Richard Ian Greene for sharing this important song for peace with us. Please visit Matthew Andrae’s website as well as Richard Ian Greene’s and Lawrence William Greene’s website for more music. Check back with us because we will feature the mp3 of “The Next Country Over” and a new version of A Peaceful Solution by Richard Ian Greene and Lawrence William Greene.

“The impact of millions of children singing together across this country is awesome… it is literally the worlds largest sing-along for Peace.” It’s an eight million – voice petition for Peace from the Children of the World.”
Matthew Andrae co writer TNCO

“The Worlds Largest Concert is a perfect vehicle for cultivating a culture of peace and non-violence, as it affords millions of children the opportunity to learn about different cultures through music.” WorldSong CEO Todd Young

* * * * * Artist’s Statement * * * * *

Why are you passionate about creating peace?

I was born into domestic violence and put up for adoption because my parents couldn’t provide a safe environment for a child. As an adult, I see war destroying the planet and killing our children. There are those who are passionate about oil, money and political power and they are running the show right now. We have to be even more passionate about peace.

How long have you been working for peace?

Officially, since 1999, when I founded WorldSong with my business partner, Todd Young. Our mission was to unite the world through music. In 2002, shortly after the tragic events of 9-11, we got 8 million music students around the globe to sing “The Next Country Over,” a peace song written by Richard Ian Greene and myself.

Unofficially, I’ve been working for peace by writing love songs for the last twenty years. Music brings people closer together.

Peace starts at home.