Introduction

Jackie DeShannon’s iconic song, “What The World Needs Now,” is a timeless classic that has captured the hearts of music lovers for generations. With its soulful melody and profound lyrics, this song continues to resonate with listeners worldwide. In this article, we will delve into the history of this remarkable composition, explore interesting facts about the artist behind it, and even provide you with a video link to enjoy this musical masterpiece.Jackie DeShannon | Spotify

Did You Know?

  • Song Origins: “What The World Needs Now” was written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David in 1965. It was initially intended for the Shirelles, but Jackie DeShannon’s rendition became the most famous and enduring version.
  • Jackie DeShannon: Jackie DeShannon, born Sharon Lee Myers, is an American singer-songwriter with a prolific career in the music industry. She not only made her mark as a performer but also as a songwriter, penning hits like “Bette Davis Eyes,” which became a massive success when Kim Carnes recorded it.
  • Chart-Topping Success: Upon its release in 1965, “What The World Needs Now” soared up the charts, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song’s universal message of love and unity struck a chord with listeners during a turbulent era.
  • Covered by Legends: Over the years, this song has been covered by various artists, including Dionne Warwick, Aretha Franklin, and even Burt Bacharach himself. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless quality.
  • Cultural Impact: “What The World Needs Now” has been featured in numerous films, television shows, and commercials, further cementing its status as a classic that transcends generations.

Jackie De Shannon - Rotten Tomatoes

Video 

Lyrics: What The World Needs Now

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

Lord we don’t need another mountain
There are mountains and hillsides enough to climb
There are oceans and rivers enough to cross
Enough to last ’til the end of time

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

Lord, we don’t need another meadow
There are corn fields and wheat fields enough to grow
There are sunbeams and moonbeams enough to shine
Oh listen Lord, if you want to know

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

What the world needs now is love sweet love
What the world needs now is love sweet love
What the world needs now is love sweet love

What the world needs now is love sweet love
What the world needs now is love sweet love

You Missed

THE SONG THAT WASN’T A LYRIC—IT WAS A FINAL STAND AGAINST THE FERRYMAN. In 2017, Toby Keith asked Clint Eastwood a simple question on a golf course: “How do you keep doing it?” Clint, then 88 and still unbreakable, gave him a five-word answer that would eventually haunt Toby’s final days: “I don’t let the old man in.” Toby went home and turned that line into a masterpiece. When he recorded the demo, he had a rough cold. His voice was thin, weathered, and scraped at the edges. Clint heard it and said: “Don’t you dare fix it. That’s the sound of the truth.” Back then, the song was just about getting older. But in 2021, the world collapsed when Toby was diagnosed with stomach cancer. Suddenly, “Don’t Let the Old Man In” wasn’t just a song for a movie—it was a mirror. It was no longer about a conversation on a golf course; it was about a 6-foot-4 giant staring at his own disappearing frame and refusing to flinch. When Toby stood on that stage for his final shows in Las Vegas, he wasn’t just singing. He was holding the line. He sang that song with every ounce of breath he had left, looking death in the eye and telling it: “Not today.” Toby Keith died on February 5, 2024. But he didn’t let the “old man” win. He used Clint’s words to build a fortress around his soul, proving that while the body might fail, the spirit only bows when it’s damn well ready. Clint Eastwood gave him the line. Toby Keith gave it his life. And in the end, the song became the man.