About the song
“We Are the World” stands as an iconic anthem of compassion and unity, originally recorded by the supergroup USA for Africa in 1985. Penned by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie and produced by Quincy Jones and Michael Omartian, this charitable single was created to raise funds for African famine relief through the organization United Support of Artists for Africa.
Inspired by the success of Band Aid’s “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” in the UK, musician and activist Harry Belafonte spearheaded the effort to assemble American musicians for a similar cause. Collaborating with fundraiser Ken Kragen, Belafonte enlisted a stellar lineup of artists from across the music industry. Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie completed the song’s composition the night before the first recording session, which took place on January 21, 1985. This historic gathering brought together renowned musicians of the era, all united by a common goal: to alleviate the devastating effects of famine in Ethiopia and support hunger relief efforts in the United States.
Released on March 7, 1985, as the lead single from the album *We Are the World*, the song swiftly climbed to the top of music charts worldwide, setting records as the fastest-selling U.S. pop single at the time. Its profound impact extended beyond commercial success, earning quadruple platinum certification and accolades including four Grammy Awards, an American Music Award, and a People’s Choice Award.
The accompanying music video, VHS release, and extensive promotional efforts further amplified its reach and fundraising potential. Merchandise sales, including special edition magazines and apparel, contributed to the over $80 million raised for humanitarian aid—a testament to the song’s enduring influence and the generosity of its supporters.
“We Are the World” showcased not only the collective musical talent of over 45 prominent artists—including Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Bruce Springsteen, Diana Ross, and many others—but also their shared commitment to humanitarian causes. The recording session at A&M Studios in Hollywood on January 28, 1985, was a monumental event marked by camaraderie and a shared sense of purpose. Despite logistical challenges and creative decisions, such as modifying lyrics to ensure cultural sensitivity, the recording culminated in a powerful and emotionally charged anthem that continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.
Beyond its initial impact, “We Are the World” inspired a sequel, “We Are the World 25 for Haiti,” in 2010, following the devastating earthquake. This enduring legacy underscores the song’s role not only as a musical masterpiece but also as a beacon of hope and solidarity in times of global crisis.
“We Are the World” remains a timeless reminder of the power of music to unite hearts and effect positive change—a testament to the enduring spirit of compassion and generosity that defines the human experience.
Video
Lyrics
There comes a time
When we heed a certain call
When the world must come together as one
There are people dying
Oh, 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 soon make a change
We’re all a part of God’s great big family
And the truth, you know, love is all we need
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
Oh, send them your heart
So they know that someone cares
And their lives will be stronger and free
As God has shown us by turning stones to bread
And so we all must lend a helping hand
We are the world
We are the children
We are the ones who make a brighter day, so let’s start giving
Oh, 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
Oh, that a change can only come
When we stand together as one, yeah, yeah, yeah
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
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 mee
We are the world (are the world)
We are the children (are the children)
We are the ones who’ll make a brighter day, so let’s start giving (so let’s start giving)
There is a choice we’re making
We’re saving our own lives
It’s true we’ll make a better day, just you and me
Oh, let me hear you!
We are the world (we are the world)
We are the children (said we are the children)
We are the ones who’ll make a brighter day so let start giving (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, come on now, let me hear you
We are the world (we are the world)
We are the children (we are the children)
We are the ones who’ll make a brighter day so let’s start giving (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, yeah
We are the world (we are the world)
We are the children (we are the children)
We are the ones who’ll make a brighter day so let’s start giving (so let’s start giving)
There’s a choice we’re making
And we’re saving our own lives
It’s true we’ll make a better day, just you and me
We are the world (are the world)
We are the children (are the children)
We are the ones who’ll make a brighter day so let’s start giving (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
We are the world, we are the world (are the world)
We are the children, yes sir (are the children)
We are the ones that make a brighter day so let’s start giving (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, ooh-hoo!
We are the world (dear God) (are the world)
We are the children (are the children)
We are the ones that make a brighter day so let’s start giving (all right, can you hear what I’m saying?)
There’s a choice we’re making, we’re saving our own lives