In March 1985, USA for Africa released the star-studded single “We Are the World,” written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie, to raise money for famine relief in Africa. The song rapidly become the fastest-selling pop single. This weekend, the We Are the World Foundation released “We are the World 25 for Haiti,” a remake of the song to raise money for disaster relief in Haiti. The lyrics are largely the same, with the addition of some rap lines penned by Will.I.Am.
There comes a time
When we heed a certain call
When the world must come together as one
There are people dying
And it’s time to lend a hand to life
The greatest gift of allWe can’t go on
Pretending day by day
That someone, somewhere will soon make a change
We are all a part of
God’s great big family
And the truth, you know love is all we need
Like many remakes, the new version is no match for the original. An autotuned Lil Wayne and Jamie Foxx are poor subsitutes for Bob Dylan and Ray Charles. The New York Times called it “big name karaoke for a good cause.” And that’s the point, it is for a good cause — you can download from iTunes here, and proceeds will go to Haiti — or watch the video here.
Hans Clapton says:
I’d like to give the world a hug,
February 14, 2010, 10:46 amAnd tell it jokes and stuff,
Then pull it’s pants down to it’s knees,
And chase it through the rough.
I’d tie it up with bonds and straps,
And check it’s purse for change,
And leave it out at Moose Grin Hall,
With my cousin who’s deranged.
cookiemonsta says:
There are many other new Haiti tribute songs….
The one closest to “We Are the World” is “Rise Again” by Shaggy, Sean Paul, Sean Kingston, Alison Hinds, Tessane Chin, Shontelle Layne, Edwin Yearwood, David Rudder, Kees Dieffenthaller, Destra Garcia, Etana, and Belo.
Let’s Help Them by Dami Knight.
Down a Haiti by Leon Danger.
Prayer for the Haitians by Ras Myrhdak.
Text YELE by Pierrepressure.
Hold On Haiti by Wyclef & Mavado
Song Cry by Jazzy Onez
Haiti Cry by Silver Cat & Hero.
Haitian by Capleton.
Redemption Song for Haiti by Rihanna (Bob Marley cover).
2012 by Elephant Man.
If Only by Eljai.
Together by the High School for Recording Arts.
Mad World cover song by Gersing Aung.
Cry for Haiti by Wasp (not W.A.S.P. the glam band lol).
A Song for Haiti by Rob Murat.
Hope for Haiti by Solo D.
Lend a Hand by Symplz
and many many more…
February 14, 2010, 1:48 pmanonymous says:
when we “heed” a certain call
February 14, 2010, 4:36 pmD.R.M. says:
“And the truth, you know love is all we need”
Cool, then I’ll send my love to Haiti, and keep my money.
February 14, 2010, 6:34 pmJ Nimmo says:
Now… what we need is a remake of Metal Aid. That was a true 80′s moment of glory.
February 14, 2010, 7:50 pmAlan K. Henderson says:
Wasn’t the original “We Are The World” a disaster? I vaguely recall that the Mengistu government intercepted much the aid.
February 14, 2010, 9:34 pm