What The World
Jackie DeShannon Lyrics


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What the world needs now is love, sweet love
It's the only thing that there's just too little of
What the world needs now is love, sweet love
No not just for some but for everyone

Lord, we don't need another mountain
There are mountains and hillsides enough to climb
There are oceans and rivers enough to cross
Enough to last 'til the end of time

What the world needs now is love, sweet love
It's the only thing that there's just too little of
What the world needs now is love, sweet love
No, not just for some but for everyone

Lord, we don't need another meadow
There are cornfields and wheat fields enough to grow
There are sunbeams and moonbeams enough to shine
Oh listen, lord, if you want to know

What the world needs now is love, sweet love
It's the only thing that there's just too little of
What the world needs now is love, sweet love
No, not just for some oh, but just for every, every, everyone
What the world needs now is love, sweet love




What the world needs now is love, sweet love
What the world needs now is love, sweet love

Overall Meaning

In Jackie DeShannon's song "What The World Needs Now," the singer implores the world to show more love to each other. She observes that there is a shortage of love in the world, and the only solution is to have more of it. She states that love should not just be reserved for some people but should be for everyone. The idea is to create an all-encompassing atmosphere of love that everyone can benefit from. The singer suggests that the world doesn't need tangible things like another mountain or meadow; instead, love is what is desperately needed.


The song makes a powerful statement about the importance of love in our lives. It acknowledges that there are problems in the world, but love can help ease the pain and heal the broken-hearted. The lyrics also suggest that love is not just limited to romantic relationships but should extend to everyone, regardless of race, religion, or socio-economic status. The song was written during the civil rights movement and reflects the need for more tolerance and acceptance towards others.


The song has become an anthem of sorts for the campaign for love, tolerance, and equality for all. It has been covered by many artists and has also been used in movies and TV shows. The song's message has resonated throughout the years, and it is still relevant today.


Line by Line Meaning

What the world needs now is love, sweet love
Love is the essential requirement that the world needs right now and it should be sweet and genuine.


It's the only thing that there's just too little of
Unfortunately, love is scarce in the world and there is not enough of it.


No not just for some but for everyone
Love should not just be limited to a few people but should be available for everyone to have.


Lord, we don't need another mountain
We do not need to face more uphill battles or obstacles in life.


There are mountains and hillsides enough to climb
There are already enough difficulties in the world for people to overcome.


There are oceans and rivers enough to cross
There are already plenty of challenges in the world for people to face and conquer.


Enough to last 'til the end of time
These challenges will always exist, and can last for eternity.


Lord, we don't need another meadow
We do not need more peaceful or calm places in the world.


There are cornfields and wheat fields enough to grow
There are already plenty of resources in the world to sustain people.


There are sunbeams and moonbeams enough to shine
The world is already full of light and energy to inspire people.


Oh listen, lord, if you want to know
Listen to these facts and insights if you want to understand what the world truly needs.


No, not just for some oh, but just for every, every, everyone
Love should not just be selective, but it should be available for all people.


What the world needs now is love, sweet love
Love is the ultimate solution to the problems in the world today.


What the world needs now is love, sweet love
Love is the crucial answer that the world needs right now.


What the world needs now is love, sweet love
Love is the most critical necessity that can fix many problems in the world.




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Burt F. Bacharach, Hal David, Burt Bacharach

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@baizarosiem

I’m 83 and I love this song cause the world is going the wrong way. Haven’t we learned anything. Love and caring is so easy, smile makes people feel good.

@marciadealbuquerque7134

Olá! A senhora tinha 23/24 anos quando essa música foi lançada. ❤ Brasil 🇧🇷

@Ivanlois383

When was world going the right way? 😅

@TiffanyErin

Perhaps we are head8ng towards healing. A wound must release its infection before it heals. ❤❤❤❤ everything is okay.

@lindapoplin4473

SO so true. 😢

@masonresnick5105

RIP, Burt. This is more than a pop song. It's a prayer.

@mattsmith8901

Yes!!!!!! You are so right.

@billhill4929

Mason you’re so right, it’s more of a prayer. Seriously now than any time I’ve ever known do we need this.

This might be the end of times with all of tension between China and Russia and the USA and Australia and the UK it’s not a good time. What the world needs now is love.

@lindahill4218

I need more than people who are close, I need their love and don't know why I don't have more friends.

@ginogina4589

@@lindahill4218 We love you sweetheart.

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