“What the World Needs Now Is Love,” a timeless ballad, resonates deeply with its simple yet profound message. Penned by the legendary duo Hal David and Burt Bacharach, this song has touched hearts for generations. The genesis of this iconic track is a fascinating glimpse into the creative process of a songwriting master, Hal David, as he recounts the journey of crafting these enduring lyrics.
David, residing in Roslyn, New York, at the time, found his creative sanctuary during his daily commutes to Manhattan. His home, a vibrant hub of rock and roll with his children’s bands rehearsing, ironically pushed him to seek quietude in the rhythmic drive into the city. These drives became fertile ground for his songwriting, allowing ideas to germinate and evolve in his mind before ever reaching paper.
It was on one such drive that the core of “What the World Needs Now Is Love” began to take shape. The opening lines, instantly captivating in their simplicity and truth, emerged:
What the world needs now is love, sweet love
It’s the only thing that there’s just too little of.
By the time he arrived at the Brill Building, the heart of the American music industry and his and Bacharach’s writing haven at Famous Music, the chorus was complete in its essence. However, the verses proved to be a more arduous undertaking. David wrestled with finding the right comparative elements, initially feeling that his ideas were missing the mark. He explored concepts like faster planes or deeper submarines, but none resonated with the spiritual and personal tone he sought. Frustration led him to shelve the song, temporarily setting it aside to allow for fresh perspectives to emerge.
Over the ensuing months, David revisited the lyrics, each time encountering the same creative block. The breakthrough finally arrived during another contemplative drive to New York. He realized he was approaching the verses from the wrong angle. Instead of focusing on what was needed, he needed to articulate what was not necessary in contrast to the fundamental need for love. This realization unlocked the floodgates of inspiration, leading to the now-famous verse that speaks to the abundance already present in the world:
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 till the end of time.
These lines, imbued with a sense of gratitude for nature’s gifts, provided the perfect counterpoint to the plea for love. David presented the completed lyrics to Burt Bacharach, who, in his inimitable style, crafted a melody that perfectly complemented the lyrical sentiment, elevating the song to even greater heights.
Their collaborative process was multifaceted. Sometimes Bacharach would come with melodic ideas, other times David with lyrical concepts. They would then refine and develop these ideas together, often juggling multiple songs simultaneously. The melody for “What the World Needs Now Is Love” inspired by David’s lyrics became a testament to their synergistic partnership.
Interestingly, Dionne Warwick, a frequent interpreter of Bacharach and David’s compositions, was initially offered the song but declined to record it. Despite this initial setback, the song found its way to Jackie DeShannon through Liberty Records. DeShannon embraced the song, and with Burt Bacharach’s masterful arrangement, “What the World Needs Now Is Love” was recorded and released, quickly becoming an anthem for love and understanding in a world often yearning for both. The song’s journey, from a quiet car ride to a global message, underscores the power of simple truths and the enduring need for love in our world.
