February is heart month. It’s also Valentine’s Day. And at a time when the world seems more fractured than ever, I can’t think of a more important topic than love.
While contemplating this, the words to the song What the World Needs Now filled my mind. Released in 1965 during the height of the civil rights movement, it was written and composed by Hal David and Burt Bachrach, and made popular by singer Jackie DeShannon.
The lyrics are quite simple, but certainly relevant 53 years later, since they were released.
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 till 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.
Raj Raghunathan Ph.D., in writing for Psychology Today, says that love is a basic and fundamental need we all have. “It is so overwhelming,” says Raghunathan, “that many of us have been convinced by the media that being recipients of love is far more valuable than being donors of love.” However, studies have shown that even the smallest acts of love, kindness, and respect for others brings happiness to ourselves.
The world could use a little more love these days. Listen to the entire song on YouTube. They are words that are certainly worth remembering.
Have an awesome February!
