Save the World

George Harrison

About Save the World

"Save the World" is a song by English musician George Harrison, released as the final track of his 1981 album Somewhere in England. It was also the B-side of "Teardrops", which was the second single off the album. An environmental protest song, "Save the World" was Harrison's first composition to directly address topical issues such as the nuclear arms race, rainforest and wildlife devastation, and the ecologically irresponsible practices of corporate concerns. Musically, the song partly recalls the style of the comedy troupe Monty Python. Harrison recorded "Save the World" at his Friar Park studio in England in 1980. The recording includes sound effects that support the song's message of a world heading towards self-destruction, including bombs falling, a cash register, a street demonstration, and a nuclear explosion. In 1985, Harrison contributed a version of the song with amended lyrics to Greenpeace's self-titled fundraising album. "Save the World" also appeared on the home video Greenpeace: Non-Toxic Video Hits. 


Year:
1981
4:56
136 

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We've got to save the world
Someone else may want to use it
So far we've seen
This planet's rape, how we've abused it
We've got to save the world

The Russians have the biggest share
With their long fingers everywhere
And now they've bombs in outer space
With laser beams and atomic waste

Rain forest chopped for paper towels
One acre gone in every hour
Our birds and wildlife all destroyed
To keep some millionaires employed

We've got to save the whale
Greenpeace they've tried to diffuse it
But dog food salesmen
Persist on kindly to harpoon it
We've got to save the world

The armament consortium
They're selling us plutonium
Now you can make your own H-bomb
Right in the kitchen with your mom

The nuclear power that costs you more
Than anything you've known before
The half-wit's answer to a need
For cancer, death, destruction, greed

We've got to save the world
Someone's children they may need it
So far we've seen
The big business of extinction bleed it
We've got to save the world

We're at the mercy of so few
With evil hearts determined to
Reduce this planet into hell
Then find a buyer and make quick sale

To end upon a happy note
Like trying to make concrete float
Is very simple knowing that
God in your heart lives

We've got to save the world
Someone else may want to use it
It's time you knew
How close we've come
We're gonna lose it 
We gotta save, we gotta save
We gotta save the world.

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George Harrison

George HarrisonMBE (25 February 1943 – 29 November 2001) was an English musician, singer and songwriter who achieved international fame as the lead guitarist of the Beatles. Often referred to as the "quiet Beatle", Harrison over time became an admirer of Indian culture and mysticism, introducing it to the other Beatles, as well as to their Western audience. Following the band's break-up, enjoyed a successful solo career, and in 1988 he co-founded the supergroup the Traveling Wilburys, with Tom Petty, Bob Dylan, Jeff Lynne and Roy Orbison. Rolling Stone magazine ranked Harrison number 11 in their list of the "100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time". more »

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Written by: GEORGE HARRISON

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


12 facts about this song

Release Information
"Save the World" was included in George Harrison's 1981 album, "Somewhere in England."
Composer and Producer
The song was both written and produced by George Harrison, showcasing his talent in multiple aspects of music creation.
Unusual Format
"Save the World" is a unique song because of its format. It features a verse-chorus-verse structure, which is then repeated. This is a significant departure from the traditional verse-chorus-bridge song structure.
Lyrics Meaning
As the title suggests, the lyrics of "Save the World" reflect Harrison's concerns about the mutilation of the earth's environment and his plea for humanity to change its damaging habits.
Stand-Out Sound
This song is unique in its musical composition. It includes an extended fade-out featuring comedic vocals impersonations from Harrison and his contemporary, Tom Petty.
Dedicated Work
According to Harrison, "Save the World" took him a long time to complete because he was trying to make it funny, but also serious, because the subject matter is serious.
Environmental Message
"Save the World" is noted for its commentary on environmental degradation. It was one of the first pop/rock songs to address ecological issues, which is now a common topic in music.
Music Video
A music video was produced for "Save the World," which contained footage of environmental destruction, including oil spills and deforestation.
Instrumentation
Along with Harrison's vocals and guitar, the song prominently features synthesizer and percussion, which presents a different feel compared to his other songs.
Album Performance
Despite the serious issues addressed in "Save the World," the album "Somewhere in England" peaking at number 13 on Billboard's Top LPs & Tape chart, and number 11 on the UK's Album chart.
Critics' View
Critics have noted the conflicting tones in "Save the World," with its cheerful sound contrasting against the serious environmental message, serving to highlight the urgency of the message.
Protection of Nature
"Save the World" has been recognized as a symbol of Harrison's tribute to nature and his prolonged commitment towards preserving the environment.

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