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What the World Needs Now

Burt Bacharach and Hal David's "What the World Needs Now (Is Love)" is one of those 60s pop songs that skillfully blends heartfelt sentiment with melancholy that I can only relate to that era. Maybe it's the influence of Sinatra's mid-60s heartbreak period, in which the recordings feel like they were done in some desolate castle where the singer was waiting for the end, but there are plenty of 60s pop and country songs that conjure these feelings of isolation. "Wichita Lineman" is a fine example, and anything off of What's GoingOn.  Jackie DeShannon and Dionne Warwick are the two artists I most associate with "What the World Needs Now (Is Love)." Their performances are hopeful, tinged with the sadness of their times. The recordings came out when the U.S. was entrenched in Vietnam, and the Civil Rights movement was in full force.  Images of soldiers at war and police brutality against activists in the cities of America dominated the television news. That was over 50 years ago, yet this song feels as relevant now as it did when it became a hit.

Hal David's lyrics are simple and pleading. A protest song hidden in an AM staple. 

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

One of my favorite versions of "What the World Needs Now (Is Love)" can't be found on Spotify or Apple Music. It appeared on of all things the Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery soundtrack from 1997. Bacharach teamed up with 90s power pop band, The Posies, to make a psychedelic jam that could have veered into parody (like the movie), but is quite passionate and respectful of the song's message. Singer Jon Auer does nice work, in particular with his throat wrenching plea at the end. Fortunately, the song is on Youtube and I can share it with you.




2025 was a rough. 2026 has already been horrifying and we're not even through January. Can a song change minds? I don't know. I've had some stop me cold and rethink my world. So maybe Hal David's lyrics and Burt Bacharach's melody can plant a seed in those who wish to do harm to their neighbors. That's my prayer for today.

Aloha




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jefito said…
Amen, brother.
11:17 AM
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