If I Ruled The World
James Brown Lyrics
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Every heart would have a new song to sing
And we'd sing of the joy every morning would bring
If I ruled the world, every man would be as free as a bird
Every voice would be a voice to be heard
Take my word we would treasure each day that occurred
My world would be a beautiful place
Where we would weave such wonderful dreams
Like the man in the moon has when the moon beams
If I ruled the world every man would say the world was his friend
There'd be happiness that no man coud end
No my friend, not if I ruled the world
Every head would be held up high
There'd be sunshine in everyone's sky
If the day ever dawned when I ruled the world
The lyrics of James Brown’s “If I Ruled the World” speak to the hope that exists within human hearts. The song has a vibrant, upbeat tempo that is carried by an infectious bassline, creating a joyous canvas upon which Brown’s vision of a perfect world can be painted. The track opens with Brown pondering what he would do if he was made the ruler of the world. He posits that each and every day would ideally be the first day of spring, with people everywhere singing a “new song”. His desire, then, is to bring a sense of renewal and optimism to the world.
James Brown’s vision for the world continues, with his desire for universal freedom. Under his rulership, every voice would matter, and each person would be a “voice to be heard.” Brown underscores this ideal by insisting that people would treasure “each day that occurred.” And, finally, Brown envisions a world that is beautiful and smiles like “the man in the moon when the moon beams”. This is a powerful image, conveying a sense of peace and tranquillity that rules the world. Ultimately, Brown would like to see every person’s head held up high, with sunshine in everyone’s sky: a utopia that is beyond what is possible in the real world.
Line by Line Meaning
If I ruled the world, every day would be the first day of spring
Under my rule, every day would symbolize rebirth and rejuvenation like the first day of spring.
Every heart would have a new song to sing
Everyone would have a reason to celebrate and express themselves joyously.
And we'd sing of the joy every morning would bring
Each morning would be a reminder of the happiness and hope that the day would bring.
If I ruled the world, every man would be as free as a bird
I would ensure the absolute liberty of every individual and their right to soar freely like a bird.
Every voice would be a voice to be heard
Every opinion, idea, or thought would be valued and respected equally.
Take my word we would treasure each day that occurred
We would cherish and appreciate every moment of life, no matter how small or big.
My world would be a beautiful place
The world under my rule would be aesthetically pleasing, peaceful, and harmonious.
Where we would weave such wonderful dreams
We would be free to dream and aspire to achieve great heights without any limitations or obstacles.
My world would wear a smile on its face
The world under my rule would radiate happiness, positivity, and confidence.
Like the man in the moon has when the moon beams
Just like the moon looks happy and content while reflecting sunlight, my world would be content and satisfied too.
If I ruled the world every man would say the world was his friend
People would admire and respect nature, and establish a friendship-like bond with the world around them.
There'd be happiness that no man coud end
There would be eternal joy and satisfaction for everyone under my rule, which no one could snatch away or disrupt.
No my friend, not if I ruled the world
The mentioned statement is a denial of the fact that hardship and gloominess would ever prevail, under my rule.
Every head would be held up high
People would feel self-assured, confident, and proud, irrespective of their caste, creed or gender.
There'd be sunshine in everyone's sky
No matter how dark or gloomy one's life may seem, the light and positivity of sunshine will always shine on them.
If the day ever dawned when I ruled the world
This line signifies that it is purely an imagination, a fantasy or an ideal-world concept that can never be achieved in reality.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: CYRIL ORNADEL, LESLIE BRICUSSE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Elizabeth Houk
I loved his voice especially when he sang a ballad,most people only knew his get up music...But when the man sang a ballad, you heard a truely talented singer.....Young people don’t have that today... it’s missing
Gary Lopez
I've listened to every artist sing this and none can come close to James Brown's version. As always his soul is in every note.
The Black Fence Cat
Great song. Brilliant.
Miss Bell
Pure MAGIC he was!!!🖤
David January
First time, hearing this. Pappa James rocked this song🙏❤️🇿🇦😍😘Beautiful💯All of us, want happiness⭐️
Kurt Adams
King of soul
Maxine Hargrove
The man could sang a ballet
T-oh-girl (teeohgirl)
Miss the man and his music
Phil Silverman
best live song from that double-album.
Tango Liberty
Showin your age Silverman lol