Belafonte is perhaps best known for singing the "Banana Boat Song", with its signature lyric "Day-O". Throughout his career, he was an advocate for civil rights and humanitarian causes.
Belafonte won three Grammy Awards (including a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award), an Emmy Award, and a Tony Award. In 1989, he received the Kennedy Center Honors. He was awarded the National Medal of Arts in 1994. In 2014, he received the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award at the Academy's 6th Annual Governors Awards and in 2022 was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in the Early Influence category and was the oldest living person to have received the honor.
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Turn The World Around
Harry Belafonte Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Go back to the fire, turn the world around
We come from the fire, living in the fire
Go back to the fire, turn the world around
We come from the water, living in the water
Go back to the water, turn the world around
We come from the water, living in the water
We come from the water, living in the water
Go back to the water, turn the world around
We come from the water, living in the water
Go back to the water, turn the world around
We come from the mountain, living on the mountain
Go back to the mountain, turn the world around
We come from the mountain, living on the mountain
Go back to the mountain, turn the world around
We come from the mountain, living on the mountain
Go back to the mountain, turn the world around
We come from the mountain, living on the mountain
Go back to the mountain, turn the world around
Oh, oh, so is life
Ah, ha, so is life
Oh, oh, so is life
Ah, ha, so is life
Do you know who I am?
Do I know who you are?
See, we one another clearly
Do we know who we are?
Do you know who I am?
Do I know who you are?
See, we one another clearly
Do we know who we are?
Do you know who I am?
Do I know who you are?
See, we one another clearly
Do we know who we are?
Oh, oh, so is life
Ah, ha, so is life
Oh, oh, so is Abatiwaha
Ah, so is life
Oh, oh, so is life
Ah, ha, so is life
Oh, oh, so is Abatiwaha
Ah, ha, so is life
Do you know who I am?
Do I know who you are?
See, we one another clearly
Do we know who we are?
Water make the river, river wash the mountain
Fire make the sunlight, turn the world around
Heart is of the river, body is the mountain
Spirit is the sunlight, turn the world around
We are of the spirit, truly of the spirit
Only can the spirit turn the world around
We are of the spirit, truly of the spirit
Only can the spirit turn the world around
Do you know who I am?
Do I know who you are?
See, we one another clearly
Do we know who we are?
Do you know who I am?
Do I know who you are?
See, we one another clearly
Do we know who we are?
Do you know who I am?
Do I know who you are?
See, we one another clearly
Do we know who we are?
Oh, oh, so is life
Ah, ha, so is life
Oh, oh, so is Abatiwaha
Ah, so is life
Oh, oh, so is life
Ah, ha, so is life
Oh, oh, so is Abatiwaha
Ah, so is life
Oh, oh, so is life
Ah, ha, so is life
Oh, oh, so is Abatiwaha
Ah, ha, so is life
The lyrics of "Turn the World Around" by Harry Belafonte speak of the interconnectedness of humans with nature and the universe. The song starts with the repetition of "We come from the fire, living in the fire, go back to the fire, turn the world around" indicating that humans come from the same elements that create the universe and can go back to it to ignite positive change. The same theme continues with "We come from the water, living in the water, go back to the water, turn the world around" and "We come from the mountain, living on the mountain, go back to the mountain, turn the world around." These lines signify that humans are deeply connected to nature and when they understand this, they can use this understanding to bring about positive change in the world.
The following lines, "Heart is of the river, body is the mountain, spirit is the sunlight, turn the world around" takes a deeper dive into the unity of humans with nature. The lyrics explain that humans' hearts are like rivers, their body like the mountains and their spirit like the sunlight. This metaphorical understanding of humans denotes that humans are essential elements of nature and can use their power to turn the world around. The lines "We are of the spirit, truly of the spirit, only can the spirit turn the world around" underscores that only when humans recognize their spirit, can they bring about any positive change in the world.
Harry Belafonte's "Turn the World Around" is a song that communicates a crucial message about the interdependence of humanity and nature, and how this reality can be leveraged to bring change. The song has a deep spiritual and philosophical meaning that challenges the listener to look beyond themselves and their immediate surroundings.
Line by Line Meaning
We come from the fire, living in the fire
Go back to the fire, turn the world around
We were born from the intense heat of passion and the turmoil of life itself. Returning to that same heat, we have the power to bring about transformative change.
We come from the water, living in the water
Go back to the water, turn the world around
Water is the source of life and purity. By connecting with our roots in water, we can bring about change and salvation.
We come from the mountain, living on the mountain
Go back to the mountain, turn the world around
Mountains tower above and stand strong against all obstacles. By returning to the mountain, we will be reminded of our own strength and power to make a difference.
Oh, oh, so is life
Ah, ha, so is life
Oh, oh, so is Abatiwaha
Ah, so is life
Life is full of twists and turns, but we must remember that it is also full of beauty and light. Abatiwaha, a mystical phrase of unknown origin, is a reminder that there is even more to life than what we know.
Do you know who I am?
Do I know who you are?
See, we one another clearly
Do we know who we are?
We must take the time to truly understand and know each other to create meaningful and positive change. Only then will we truly know ourselves and find a path forward.
Water make the river, river wash the mountain
Fire make the sunlight, turn the world around
Heart is of the river, body is the mountain
Spirit is the sunlight, turn the world around
The natural elements are interconnected and powerful. By understanding and working with them, we can create a chain reaction of change that will reverberate throughout the world.
We are of the spirit, truly of the spirit
Only can the spirit turn the world around
Do you know who I am?
Do I know who you are?
Our spirits are the driving force for all change. It is only by recognizing and embracing our spirits that we can create lasting and meaningful transformation. It begins with taking the time to truly know one another.
Lyrics Β© Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BOB FREEDMAN, HARRY BELAFONTE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Tom Cavender
I have told my family that I want this played at my funeral, as it was played at Jim Henson's.
RIP Mr Belafonte. May your memory be a blessing.
Katherine Gaston
Can see him dancing into the next existance. βOnly can the spirit turn the world aroundβ Thank you Harry Belafonte
Tyler Nersinger
This is one of those songs that gets stuck in your head after hearing it only once.
TheDarkKnight
true indeed π
WilTheYTP
yup
ZK πΊπ¦
Rest In Peace, Harry Belafonte. Youβre a true legend, a pioneer and a huge inspiration. Youβre also a huge part of American history and your legacy will live forever. Thank you for everything. We miss you. ππΌππ
rhys matlock
His muppet show version of this amazing song is the best version I think. First heard it watching the muppet show and absolutely fell in love with it.
The Roborandy
Rest in Power, you legendary man you..... The world won't be the same without you.....
TheGomjabar
Went for years humming bits of this without remembering where it came from. Its astonishing to find the source of my little subconscious melody
Thanks Harry
Ryan
Not sure if you're old enough to have experienced this, but Harry Belafonte did this song with the Muppets a long time ago. I saw part of the performance on a "Muppets 30th Anniversary Special" when I was a kid, which was full of amazing music and performers like this. Maybe that's where you first encountered it.