Pray (Justin Bieber song)

"PRAY" was written by Justin Bieber, Omar Martinez and Adam Messinger and Nasri Atweh of The Messengers. While Bieber was being interviewed by Ryan Seacrest on his radio show, Bieber talked about the song's initial writing stating the song was influenced by Michael Jackson, Bieber elaborated, "It's a very uplifting song, very motivational. It definitely comes from the heart. It's very beautiful. I definitely thought of Michael [Jackson's] 'Man in the Mirror' when I was writing it."[1] The song was released as a CD single in Germany on December 3, 2010.[2] "Pray" is a mid-tempo song that uses a "world-music beat" as a backing.[3] According to the sheet music published at Musicnotes.com by Universal Music Group, "Pray" is set in common time with a tempo of 80 beats per minute. It is composed in the key of B major with Bieber's vocal range spanning from the low-note of F♯₃ to the high-note of B₄. The song follows in the chord progression of B/G♯–B/F♯–E–B.[4]

Present throughout the song's background is the use of violins and a choir,[3][5] as well as guitar, string instruments, congas and a cajon.[6] However it does make subtle use of synths and electronic sounds.[7] Musically and lyrically, it is influenced by Contemporary Christian music,[8] and has a gospel feel.[9][10] The song opens with Bieber singing, "And I pray" over a keyboard, while the song's chorus repeats one simple refrain, "I close my eyes and I can see a better day/ I close my eyes and pray."[3] In the lyrics, Bieber "recognizes the pain and suffering in the world" and then offers "a passive solution" through lines such as "Children are crying / soldiers are dying / Some people don't have a home," before compromising, "I know there's sunshine beyond that rain / good times beyond that pain."[11] Vocally, Bieber's vocals are sung in a lower key compared to previous singles.[3][12]

The song received positive reviews from critics, who praised its message and composition. Referring to the song as a "junior varsity" take on "Man in the Mirror", Allison Stewart of Washington Post said, "as an indicator of the Bieb's awakening social consciousness, it's a good start."[13] Melinda Newman of HitFix called the song a "lovely testament to the power of prayer," commenting that it was "for True Believers, not just True Beliebers"[14] Calling it Bieber's "Man in the Mirror" moment, Newman also said while it did not have the "staying power or resonance of the Michael Jackson classic," she said the themes of how to effect change were the same.[14] Lucy Jones of The Daily Telegraph noted the song as a recommended download from the album.[15] Dan Savoie of Rockstar Weekly said the song "is a more advanced lyric and shows a more political side to the young singer, but the gospel feel of the song really works with his voice."[9] Savoie went on to say "The song just moved Bieber from the category of pop child star to responsible young man."[9] Monica Herrera of Billboard wrote that the song was "a treacly but well-meaning ballad that taps into Bieber's spiritual beliefs."[16] Katie Amoroso of ReviewStream.com writes, "The song itself is less poppy and more natural than other Justin songs and shows strong musical talent. Many have commented that the song made them emotional...promotes deep thought on our impact on the world"[17]

"Pray" was only released as a single in select European countries, and had moderate success. On the Belgian Flanders Tip chart, the song charted at number five,[18] while on the Belgian Tip chart for Wallonia,[19] the song charted at number fifteen. On the Austrian Singles Chart, "Pray" peaked at number sixty-five, spending a week on the chart.[20] "Pray" debuted at fifty-one on the German Singles Chart, and spent eight weeks on the chart.[21] Despite not being released as a single in these countries, due to sales after the digital releases of My Worlds: The Collection and My Worlds Acoustic, "Pray" debuted at number ninety-four on the Australian Singles Chart,[22] and number 112 on the UK Singles Chart.[23] It also debuted at number ninety-one in the US Billboard Hot 100 and reached number sixty-one the following week.[24]

In the music video, Bieber highlights several social injustices around the world.[25] Clips are shown from footage of earthquake-torn Haiti, a suffering post-Hurricane Katrina New Orleans and Bieber himself visiting sick children in hospital beds.[25] More scenes feature military soldiers being reunited with their families, and homes being possessed because families cannot pay mortgage.[25] The video is intercut with scenes of Bieber performing. Like the song itself, the video also includes religious undertones, including the video ending with the quote, "God speaks in the silence of the heart. Listening is the beginning of prayer."[25] Bill Lamb of About.com likened the video to the saying, "There are times when putting pictures to the words does indeed make a song more powerful than simply listening to the track."[26] Calling the video "outstanding for the holiday season" Lamb said the theme of "bringing hope and joy into the lives of others" related to "the celebrations that bring all of us together in hope for a brighter future for our world."[26]

"Pray" debuted and was performed for the first time at the 2010 American Music Awards.[3] The performance opened with Bieber sitting playing the piano while singing.[3] Midway through the performance Bieber arose from the piano and took center stage, he was accompanied by a choir singing background vocals. The performance was ended with Bieber kneeling singing the song's title, the performance was greeted by standing ovation from the audience.[3] Despite Bieber's significant voice crack during the performance, it received a generally positive reception.[27][28] According to Jocelyn Vena of MTV News Bieber, "threw in that showmanship that's made him famous."[3] Thomas Conner of Chicago Sun-Times noted Bieber as the standout performance of the night, saying it was proof that he could sing, besting "the wavering pitches" of Taylor Swift and Miley Cyrus.[11]