But if I had my way
Things would be different
Danger wouldn't come from a sky of blue
Choices would be clear,
and strangers would be kinder
Love a little blinder
As it saved the day
If I had my way

Every now and then it seems
We live our lives to such extremes
Racing all around, never homeward bound
Losing what we found

But if I had my way
Things would be different
No one would believe that a lie was true
Choices would be clear,
and wisdom would be heeded
Warnings never needed
That is what I'd pray
If I had my way

The milk of human kindness
Would seek us out and find us
And color all the words we say

And hearts would come alive
Instead of breaking
No one would believe
that a lie was true
Angels would appear,
Children would be cherished
Hope would never perish
Faith would not betray
If I had my way

LINDA EDER SHINES BRIGHT
AT BROADWAY UNDER THE STARS

New York- Linda Eder fans were treated to an unforgettable evening of entertainment that celebrated Broadway's love affair with New York City at the first-ever "Broadway Under The Stars" event on June 10th in Bryant Park. Linda was among the stars and gave an emotional performance of "If I Had My Way."

The free 90-minute concert weaved a tale of romance, pride, and determination, as performers paid homage to New York and the strength of its people through song and dance. New Yorkers, in turn, showed their support for the arts through an astounding turnout - a crowd of more than 10,000 people gathered on the lawn, sprawled out on blankets and in lawn chairs, and lined up on the promenade, to enjoy the show.

We asked Linda after the concert if she was surprised by the large turnout of New Yorkers in spite of continued warnings of terrorist threats. Linda said, "I was not surprised. I myself am a coward and a part of me did not want to be anywhere near an event that might attract terrorists. I couldn't say no. I'm glad I was there. "

The evening was full of magical moments. A 35-piece orchestra accompanied the singers and breathed life into montages of classic films that were shot in New York. The music soared through the trees and high-rise buildings and into the night sky.

Some highlights of the evening included Jane Krakowski, an accomplished Broadway actress in her own right yet best known for the role of "Elaine, the secretary" on the FOX series Ally McBeal, who opened the show with an energetic performance of "Take Me Back To Manhattan" from ANYTHING GOES. Karen Ziemba, Tony Award-winner for her role in CONTACT, gave a sultry performance of "City Lights" from THE ACT. Marin Mazzie, three-time Tony Nominee for roles in PASSION, RAGTIME and KISS ME KATE, had the crowd in stitches as she performed the Liza Minnelli tune "Ring Them Bells."

The concert wrapped up with Donna Murphy, two-time Tony Award-winner for PASSION and THE KING AND I, singing "I Happen To Like New York" from Cole Porter's THE NEW YORKERS, but not before Linda Eder sang the most poignant song of the evening. Her stirring rendition of the Wildhorn/Murphy song "If I Had My Way", written following the events of September 11th, caused a hush to fall over the crowd as images of the New York City skyline as it once stood were projected on a giant movie screen behind her.

Reflecting on what it felt like to be standing on the stage in front of 10,000 plus people in the heart of New York City singing a song about the events that took place there on September 11th, Linda commented, "It is always an emotional song to sing. I never get to the end without fighting back the tears. Most of the time I lose the fight. The lyrics destroy me. That night I was the only one singing a song about the events of 9/11 and it was the only time the towers were shown. It was amazing. The weather was perfect. I love to sing outside. Everything combined made it a night that everyone who was there probably will not forget. I won't. I was proud to be on stage that night."

Linda Eder's powerhouse voice sent chills down spines and brought tears to eyes as she sang about an ideal world; a better world where "strangers would be kinder" and "love a little blinder." When the song was over, the crowd erupted into applause and she received a standing-ovation from many of her fans.

Following her performance, Jed Bernstein, president of the League of American Theatres and Producers, readily summed up what the crowd was feeling by saying, "Linda Eder has the perfect voice to end a concert honoring New York City because her voice perfectly reflects the diversity, soul, and richness that is the very heart of New York."