One of the most popular black singers of the 60s, Wilson Pickett helped introduce the aggressive, rhythmic style of black music to a wide audience and has influenced almost countless rnb artists over the years. It all got started in Prattville, Alabama, where he was raised. Pickett moved to Detroit, Michigan at the age of sixteen, and he made his professional debut spending several years singing with the gospel group The Violinaires in the late 50s. From 1961 to 1963, he was in The Falcons, writing and singing their 1962 hit "I Found A Love".
Pickett then went solo and signed with Lloyd Price's Double L Records, where he wrote and recorded "If You Love Me" and "It's Too Late." In 1964, Pickett signed with Atlantic Records and did his early recordings in the Stax studio in Memphis, Tennessee with Booker T. Jones and Steve Cropper of The MGs. Cropper co-authored three of his early hits, "In the Midnight Hour" and "Don't Fight It from his debut album The Exciting Wilson Pickett that established him as a major soul star. The album also included "Ninety-Nine and a Half (Won't Do)," "She's So Good to Me," and "Land of a 1,000 Dances," all recorded at Fame Studio in Muscle Shoals.
Pickett then had hits with "Mustang Sally," "I Found a Love," and "Funky Broadway," all recorded in Muscle Shoals. Pickett then teamed with Bobby Womack in 1968 for Midnight Mover that yielded a Top 10 R7B and pop hit with Womack's title song. In 1969, Pickett had a major hit with The Beatles "Hey Jude,", followed in 1970 by "Sugar, Sugar." Later in 1970, Pickett worked with producers Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff at Sigma Sound Studios in Philadelphia. The result was two crossover hits "Engine Number Nine," and "Don't Let the Green Grass Fool You."
After crossover hits "Don't Knock My Love - Part 1" and "Fire and Water" Pickett left Atlantic for RCA, with minimum success. Pickett later recorded for several record companies, including his own Wicked label, but failed to have anymore hits.
Wilson Pickett was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1991.In 1999 he performed with his friend Bruce Springsteen.In 2002 he performed in the movie Only The Strong Survive.Singing his classic hits like In the Midnight hour and Land Of 1000 Dances.In 2004 Pickett retired from performing do to Health problems.Pickett told his sister he was going to the field of God but he never recovered.
On January 19,2006 Pickett died of a heart attack at his home. At his funeral long time friend Richard Pennimen (Little Richard) did a eulogy for Mr Pickett with his brothers at his funeral.
Pickett's Personal life was troubled. In 1993 he struck a pedestrian Pepe Ruiz. Later that year Ruiz died. Soul Singer Don Covay called him "Young and Wild". Pickett was arrested many times in his life.
People Make the World
Wilson Pickett Lyrics
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And there we live
About what we gather
And what we give
Our daily deeds
And the things we do and said
About what we keep oh, yeah
And what we cast away
People make the world
What it is uh, huh
About how they live
And what they give
People make the world
What it is oh, Lord
We make the world
And there we live
We make the world
And the life we lead
By the friends we have
And the books we read
By the penny worth show
Ha, ha and then I don't care
By the laws we live
And the love we share
People make the world
What it is
I'm tellin' you all now uh
How they live
And what they give ow
People make the world
What it is oh
How they give
And how they live
People make the world
What it is...
Wilson Pickett's People Make the World is a soulful song about the role of people in shaping the world around us. The song speaks to the idea that people are the primary architects of their environment, and that the actions and choices we make directly impact the world that we live in. The lyrics indicate that everything we accumulate, share, and discard, has an impact on the world we create.
The lyrics also highlight that the kind of world we live in is influenced by the people we surround ourselves with, the books we read, and the laws we abide by. Although the song was released in the early 1970s, its message is still relevant today, reminding us that individual human actions can shape the world around us.
Overall, the song is a call to action for people to pay attention to their daily deeds, the things they do and say, and the kind of world they are creating. It is a reminder that we all have a responsibility to make the world better by the way we choose to live and interact with others.
Line by Line Meaning
We make the world
The world is a result of our actions
And there we live
The world we create is where we reside
About what we gather
Our possessions define us
And what we give
Our generosity reflects our character
Our daily deeds
Our actions day to day shape our world
And the things we do and said
Our words and actions hold power in shaping our environment
About what we keep oh, yeah
Our choices in what to hold onto can determine our future
And what we cast away
Our disregard for certain things can have consequences
People make the world
It's the collective actions of humans that create the world
What it is uh, huh
The world is a reflection of the actions of humans
About how they live
Our way of life determines much of our surroundings
And what they give
Our actions of kindness can have a positive impact on our surroundings
Oh, Lord
An expression of emotion
And the life we lead
Our choices shape the path of our lives
By the friends we have
Our community can shape our perspective and actions
And the books we read
Our sources of knowledge shape our understanding and decisions
By the penny worth show
Small gestures can have an impact
Ha, ha and then I don't care
Some things may not be worth our concern
By the laws we live
Our system of governance shapes our society
And the love we share
Our actions of love and compassion can create positive change
I'm tellin' you all now uh
Making a statement
How they live
Our actions shape our surroundings
And what they give ow
Our deeds of goodness can influence positive change
People make the world
Our collective actions of humanity shape our world
What it is oh
The state of the world and its surroundings is a reflection of human actions
How they give
Our actions of kindness can create positive impact in our surroundings
And how they live
Our way of life shapes our environment
People make the world
Our actions as humans collectively create the world we live in
What it is...
The state of the world and our surroundings is a reflection of our collective actions
Writer(s): Bobby Womack
Contributed by Allison G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.