beholders.org

 "We are the World" is one of those timeless songs that seem to be re-discovered in times of pain and despair. Written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie in 1985 to bring attention to the hunger and suffering happening in Africa, the song was a huge commercial success and became the fastest-selling American pop single in history. The first ever single to be certified multi-platinum. It also raised over 63 million dollars for humanitarian aid in Africa. 

Now, even with Michael Jackson gone, the timelessness of this song couldn't be more obvious. Re-recorded by artists as diverse as Barbra Streisand, Wycleff Jean and Busta Rhymes with the focus now on Haiti, this song seems as powerful as the day we first heard it. 

They have edited Michael Jackson into the video, which seems surprisingly appropriate, though the footage is 25 years old, and the power of those words still resounds equally powerful and moving. Let it serve its purpose one more time, and inspire us to once again realize that we are the world, we are the children. We are the ones who make a brighter day, so let's start giving...

 

 

 

 

 

There comes a time 

When we head a certain call 

When the world must come together as one 

There are people dying 

And it's time to lend a hand to life 

The greatest gift of all 

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 

And the truth, you know love is all we need 

[Chorus] 

We are the world 

We are the children 

We are the ones who make a brighter day 

So let's start giving 

There's a choice we're making 

We're saving our own lives 

It's true we'll make a better day 

Just you and me 

Send them your heart 

So they'll know that someone cares 

And their lives will be stronger and free 

As God has shown us by turning stone to bread 

So we all must lend a helping hand 

[Chorus] 

We are the world 

We are the children 

We are the ones who make a brighter day 

So let's start giving 

There's a choice we're making 

We're saving our own lives 

It's true we'll make a better day 

Just you and me 

When you're down and out 

There seems no hope at all 

But if you just believe 

There's no way we can fall 

Well, well, well, well, let us realize 

That a change will only come 

When we stand together as one 

[Chorus] 

We are the world 

We are the children 

We are the ones who make a brighter day 

So let's start giving 

There's a choice we're making 

We're saving our own lives 

It's true we'll make a better day 

Just you and me