Strange said Hillary has long been an inspiration to him, and not just because of his feat of being the first person on Mt Everest's summit.
"Most people know about Hillary climbing Everest and reaching both the North and South Poles, but not as many are familiar with the humanitarian work he did in Nepal.
"He devoted a large portion of his life to helping the Sherpa people, particularly through the Himalayan Trust he founded.
"Through his efforts, many schools and hospitals were built."
He said Hillary embodied certain values that New Zealanders hold dear, including hard work, honour, humility, and putting people first.
"There is a line in the song that says: 'A tall poppy too loved to be cut down'. This sums up Hillary. He was a hero we were happy to embrace.
"His humility made him accessible. He was one of us, a classic Kiwi bloke, with a big heart for people."
O'Brien said he was excited to work with Strange for their first musical collaboration.
"I love everything that Hillary stood for - in particular, his philanthropic work with the Sherpa people and support of those around him.
"We didn't want to overproduce the song, rather we wanted it to feel natural, to feel real."
It is not Strange's first foray into songwriting. In 2007 he released an album called Thanks For Faking It Sometimes, which included a music video for the song Rockstar Clone starring a mannequin he named Kate Brightstar.
Strange said the song was a satirical view of rockstar life, and Brightstar represented the "plastic-looking girlfriend" that often accompanied rock stars.
He later sold Brightstar to a truck driver, who told him he wanted a companion for long drives.
"I haven't heard from her in a while, but I'm sure she's doing fine."
Footprint on a Mountain lyrics:
Ox-bone jaw and a hatchet face
Strong-will, could not be shaken
Underdog with a quiet determination
Round shoulders, rustic hair
Shy leader, without fear
Number-eight wire imagination
You left your footprint on a mountain
You climbed amongst the stars
You carried us
In your arms
You told us "Dream large"
Fencepost brawn with humility
Ginger nut and a cup of tea
You were our friend and inspiration
Beekeeper, a simple man
If anyone can, a kiwi can
Claw hammer and tractor birthed a nation
You left your footprint on a mountain
You climbed amongst the stars
You carried us
In your arms
You told us "Dream large"
You were a picture of all we can achieve
Determination, it's the seed of self-belief
Through grief and anguish, you held onto the truth
Acclaim and titles meant nothing to you
Reluctant hero
Adventure was your home
A tall poppy too loved to be cut down
You left your heartbeat on a mountain
A flashlight in the dark
The hospitals
Schools you built
A voice for those outcast
