Obama Convention Song Was Bush Pick

MELISSA BLOCK, host:

We've been waiting for a long time for the chance to say this. We go now from Brooks and Dionne to Brooks and Dunn.

Senator BARACK OBAMA (Democrat, Illinois; Presidential Candidate): Thank you.

BLOCK: Last night, as Barack Obama finished his speech…

(Soundbite of cheering)

Sen. OBAMA: And God bless the United States of America.

BLOCK: …fireworks lit the sky and the strings of "Only in America" by Brooks and Dunn filled the scene.

(Soundbite of song "Only in America")

Mr. KIX BROOKS (Vocalist, Brooks and Dunn): (Singing) Sun coming up over New York City.

ROBERT SIEGEL, host:

That musical choice surprised some people. They remembered "Only in America" from the last Republican Convention. Brooks and Dunn also performed it during George W. Bush's first inaugural festivities. Brooks was a Bush supporter.

Mr. BROOKS: (Singing) One just might be president.

BLOCK: Well, Don Cook, a Democrat who co-wrote the song, says John Kerry's campaign used it too. And we don't know the current presidential leanings of Brooks and Dunn.

SIEGEL: Although we note Ronnie Dunn has been called a boot-scooting policy wank.

BLOCK: So, how do they feel about all this? Well, Kix Brooks issued this statement.

SIEGEL: Seems ironic that the same song Bush used at the Republican Convention last election would be used by Obama and the Democrats now. Very flattering to know our song crossed parties and potentially inspires all Americans.

BLOCK: "Only in America."

Mr. BROOKS: (Singing) Only in America, where we dream in red, white and blue. Only in America.

Mr. RONNIE DUNN (Vocalist, Brooks and Dunn): (Singing) Only in America, where we dream in red, white and blue. Only in America. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.