“But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.” -Ephesians 2:4-5
One week ago, on February 8, the legendary composer, performer, and producer Burt Bacharach died. He lived a wonderful life and passed away at the age of 94. His music has left an indelible mark on our culture. He won six Grammy awards and three Academy awards. His music has appeared in hundreds of films and been recorded by over 1,000 artists. Performers such a Dion Warwick, Tom Jones, The Carpenters, Marty Robbins, Stan Getz and so many more have recorded and performed his songs. Some of the more famous songs written by Burt Bacharach include “Magic Moments,” “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head,” and “I Say a Little Prayer.”
Perhaps the most famous song written by Burt Bacharach and his music writing partner, Hal David, is the song, “What the World Needs Now is Love.” This song was written in 1965 and first performed by Jackie DeShannon. This song has been recorded and performed countless times since it was first released. It most often shows up during difficult times because of the beautiful expression of love and hope that the lyrics express.
Although the song, “What the World Needs Now is Love” is a popular hit, it is also a prayer. In fact, Hal David has said that he really struggled with the lyrics of the song until he began to see it as a prayer to God. One day, while traveling to New York to work with Burt, he experienced an epiphany of sorts. He realized the song must be addressed to God and so he wrote the lyrics, “Lord, we don’t need another Mountain…” It did not take long for this beautiful prayer to be completed by himself and Bacharach.
This song has been featured in over 220 movies and television shows. It is a good song. However, the reason for this song’s success is far more than good lyrics and a catchy tune. “What the World Needs Now is Love” expresses the deep desire in all of us for something better than our current struggles. It expresses our hope for a power greater than the trials we are facing. That hope, that power, is found only in love. God is love. Love is the gift that gives us life. The Apostle Paul writes it this way, “But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.” (Ephesians 2:4-5) What we need now, as always, is to be loved by God and to share that love with 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 until 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
– Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
