Released as single in December 1967 (United Kingdom).
The song's first recording session was on 3 October 1967 along with "With the Sun in My Eyes" "Words" and the unreleased track "Maccleby's Secret". The song's last recording session was on 28 October 1967. "World" was originally planned as having no orchestra, so all four tracks were filled with the band, including some mellotron or organ played by Robin. When it was decided to add an orchestra, the four tracks containing the band were mixed to one track and the orchestra was added to the other track. The stereo mix suffered since the second tape had to play as mono until the end when the orchestra comes in on one side. In 1990, Bill Inglot synched up the two tape reels and made a new stereo mix for the Tales from the Brothers Gibb box set. Two mixes of the record were played to journalists at a press conference before its release. The released version is mainly the unorchestrated version but the orchestrated version is used from 2:39. The track features Robin on organ and Maurice on double-tracked piano. The vocals are mostly by Barry but Robin sings the chorus a few times prior to the fadeout.
Barry adds: "'World' is one of those things we came up with in the studio, Everyone just having fun and saying, 'Let's just do something!' you know". Vince Melouney recalls: "I had this idea to play the melody right up in the top register of the guitar behind the chorus
Barry Gibb — lead vocals, rhythm guitar
Robin Gibb — organ, vocals on fadeout
Maurice Gibb — pianos, bass, mellotron
Vince Melouney — lead guitar
Colin Petersen — drums
World
Bee Gees Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And of course it rains everyday
Living tomorrow, where in the world will I be tomorrow?
How far am I able to see?
Or am I needed here?
Now, I found, that the world is round
If I remember all of the things I have done
I'd remember all of the times I've gone wrong
Why do they keep me here?
Now, I found, that the world is round
And of course it rains everyday
Now, I found, that the world is round
And of course it rains everyday
Now, I found, that the world is round
And of course it rains everyday
Now, I found, that the world is round
And of course it rains everyday
The Bee Gees' song "World" is a reflective piece that explores the nature of existence and the concept of belonging. The lyrics discuss the impermanence and unpredictability of life, with references to the circular nature of the world and the daily presence of rain. The opening lines, "Now, I found, that the world is round / And of course it rains everyday," suggest a sense of discovery and awareness, although the repetition of this phrase throughout the song also conveys a sense of inevitability and repetition.
The second half of the song focuses more explicitly on themes of identity and purpose. The lyrics ask, "Living tomorrow, where in the world will I be tomorrow? / How far am I able to see? / Or am I needed here?" These questions reflect a sense of uncertainty and searching, as the singer grapples with where they fit in the world and whether they have a specific purpose or calling. The final lines of the song repeat the phrase "Why do they keep me here?" suggesting a sense of frustration or existential angst.
Overall, "World" is a lyrical and introspective song that speaks to universal themes of human experience. The Bee Gees' signature falsetto harmonies add an ethereal quality to the track, underscoring the dreamlike, almost impressionistic quality of the lyrics.
Line by Line Meaning
Now, I found, that the world is round
The singer has come to the realization that the world is not flat, contrary to previously held beliefs.
And of course it rains everyday
Rain is a natural and constant occurrence that happens every day, no matter what.
Living tomorrow, where in the world will I be tomorrow?
The singer is contemplating their future and wondering where they will end up.
How far am I able to see?
The artist is questioning their own ability to perceive their surroundings.
Or am I needed here?
The artist is questioning their purpose and whether they are necessary in their current location/situation.
If I remember all of the things I have done
The singer is reflecting on their past actions.
I'd remember all of the times I've gone wrong
The singer acknowledges and regrets their mistakes.
Why do they keep me here?
The artist is questioning the reason for their current situation and why they are being held there.
Now, I found, that the world is round
The artist is reiterating their earlier realization about the shape of the world.
And of course it rains everyday
This line is repeated once again to emphasize the natural and constant occurrence of rain.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Royalty Network, Capitol CMG Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: BARRY GIBB, MAURICE ERNEST GIBB, ROBIN HUGH GIBB
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
alejandro rodriguez
Amazing song. Their 60s stuff is on the highest level
Georgia__Girl1987
M.S. I love that song💗
Morbid Man Music
really, like it or not.. so was their disco stuff.
d1p70
Bee Gees pre-disco = Beatles
Love it (also the disco stuff)
Debbie DeNeese
Soooooo true
Salman Edy
Unpopular opinion: I think Saturday Night Fever is the least interesting work they've ever done. Of course, that ended up being their most enduring work and people don't really listen to World or I started A Joke. Or Massachusetts.
Mandy Robinson
I have heard this hundreds and hundreds of times still gives me goosebumps and the steel guitar part towards the end and vibrato still makes me want to cry each and every time.
susan Davies
Mandy Robinson. I know exactly what you mean. So many memories come flooding back. I was in my very early teens. Wish I could go back there just for one day and all my loved ones would still be here. I miss them all so much 😭😭
Mallika Alagasu
Miss my younger days each time I listen to this wonderful 1960 ies guitar n music super 👍
MARILYN NEWTON GIBB
MY HUSBAND BARRY SINGS THIS WITH ROBIN AND IT MAKES ME CRY EVERYDAY AND OF COURSE IT RAINS EVERYDAY 😚☺