R. Kelly writes new song about Virginia Tech

‘Rise Up’ is about healing in the aftermath of the college shooting

Stuart Ramson / AP

R. Kelly has written a new song, "Rise Up," about healing in the aftermath of the massacre at Virginia Tech, and is donating proceeds from the sale of the single to the Blacksburg, Va., school's memorial fund.

updated 1:21 p.m. ET May 9, 2007

NEW YORK - R. Kelly has written a new song, “Rise Up,” about healing in the aftermath of the April 16 shootings at Virginia Tech. A gunman killed 32 people and himself on the university’s campus in Blacksburg, Va.

“Rise Up” will be available digitally May 15, and 100 percent of the net proceeds from its sale will go to the Hokie Spirit Memorial Fund, said Jive Records, Kelly’s record label.

Kelly, 40, wrote the inspirational ballad after watching the events unfold on television while he was on route to a performance, Jive said.

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The lyrics include the lines: “Rise up, when you feel you can’t go on, rise up, and all of your hope is gone, rise up, when you’re weak and you can’t be strong.”

The Hokie Spirit Memorial Fund was created to provide assistance to the victims of the families, as well as grief counseling and other needs for those affected by the shootings.