“We Are the World” was recorded 25 years ago today, and I’ve heard that it will be re-recorded this year to benefit Haiti.
A few interesting tidbits about “We Are the World,” courtesy of Wikipedia, of course:
- It was the fastest-selling American pop single in history, as well as the first-ever single to be certified multi-platinum.
- The song earned three Grammy Awards, an American Music Award and a People’s Choice Award.
- And most impressive, as of 2009, it had sold more than 20 million units and raised more than $63 million for humanitarian aid in Africa and the U.S.
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It can be argued that the song is completely cheesy and only put a bandage over the gaping wounds of our world. It can be said that the lyrics are pandering and the melody is simple. But today, some of those lyrics are still poignant:
- There comes a time when we hear a certain call when the world must come together as one.
- There are people dying, and its time to lend a hand to life.
- We can’t go on pretending day by day that someone, somewhere will soon make a change.
- We are all a part of God’s great big family.
- Let us realize that a change can only come when we stand together as one.
- We are the world, we are the children. We are the ones who make a brighter day, so let’s start giving.
Do you remember when this song came out? I don’t, really. Obviously I’ve heard it a million times in the past 25 years (give or take a few thousand), but I don’t remember the impact its debut had. And now, with celebrities pulling together on a fairly regular basis, from Farm AID to 9/11 concerts to last week’s Haiti benefit, it’s almost something I’ve come to expect. What do you think about celebrities working together on special compassion or aid projects?
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