About the song
“Everything Is Beautiful,” a timeless anthem penned by Ray Stevens, transcends mere music to become a cultural and spiritual touchstone. Released in 1970, the song not only captivated audiences but also garnered critical acclaim, earning Stevens the Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance. Its profound message of inclusivity and acceptance resonated deeply during a tumultuous period in American history, where social tensions were high.
Stevens, known for his comedic flair with hits like “Gitarzan” and “Ahab the Arab,” took a significant departure with “Everything Is Beautiful.” This track marked a shift towards more serious and introspective themes, touching on issues of racial harmony and unity. Its chorus, featuring children from Oak Hill Elementary School in Nashville, Tennessee, joyfully singing the hymn “Jesus Loves the Little Children,” added a poignant innocence to its message of love and tolerance.
Debuting at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 and spending weeks at number one on the adult contemporary chart, the song became a cultural phenomenon. Its impact extended beyond the mainstream, resonating in religious circles and inspiring numerous cover versions by artists such as Jim Nabors, Bing Crosby, and Neil Sedaka.
Despite Stevens’ return to comedic material in subsequent years, “Everything Is Beautiful” remained a testament to his versatility and ability to capture the zeitgeist. Its enduring popularity was underscored by a 50th Anniversary re-recording in 2020, which featured a poignant spoken prologue highlighting societal progress while cautioning against division.
Beyond its musical achievements, the song’s legacy endures as a reminder of the power of music to inspire social change and promote understanding. With its heartfelt lyrics and uplifting melody, “Everything Is Beautiful” continues to resonate with audiences, affirming its place as a cherished piece of musical history that celebrates the inherent beauty of diversity and unity.
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Lyrics
Jesus loves the little children
All the children of the world
Red and yellow, black and white
They are precious in his sight
Jesus loves the little children of the world
Everything is beautiful in its own way
Like a starry summer night
On a snow covered winter’s day
And everybody’s beautiful in their own way
Under God’s heaven
The world’s gonna find the way
There is none so blind
As he who will not see
We must not close up minds
We must let our thoughts be free
For every hour that passes by
You know the world gets a little bit older
It’s time to realize that people lies
In the eyes of the beholder
And everything is beautiful in its own way
Like a starry summer night
On a snow covered winter’s day, ah, sing it children
Everybody’s beautiful in their own way
Under God’s heaven
The world’s gonna find a way
We shouldn’t care about the length of his hair
Of the color of his skin
Don’t worry about what shows from without
But the love that lives within
And we’re gonna get old again now
Everything is gonna work out fine
Just take a little time to look on the good side my friend
And straighten it out in your mind
And everything is beautiful in its own way
Like a starry summer night
On a snow covered winter’s day, ah, sing it children
Everybody’s beautiful in their own way
Under God’s heaven
The world’s gonna find a way, one more time
Everything is beautiful in its own way
Like a starry summer night
On a snow covered winter’s day