About the song
Jackie DeShannon’s “Put a Little Love in Your Heart” is a timeless anthem of peace and goodwill that continues to resonate with audiences decades after its initial release. Composed in 1969 alongside her brother Randy Myers and Jimmy Holiday, the song emerged at a pivotal moment in American history, a time marked by social unrest and a growing desire for unity. Its message of compassion and understanding offered a much-needed balm for a nation grappling with deep-seated divisions.
DeShannon’s heartfelt vocals, coupled with the song’s infectious melody, propelled “Put a Little Love in Your Heart” to the top of the charts in both the United States and South Africa. Its enduring popularity can be attributed in part to its universal theme of love and its ability to transcend cultural and generational boundaries. The song’s enduring appeal is evident in the numerous covers released over the years, including a memorable rendition by Annie Lennox and Al Green in 1988.
While the original version remains a classic, Lennox and Green’s cover brought a fresh perspective to the song, infusing it with their own distinctive styles. Their interpretation captured the song’s essence while adding a layer of soulful intensity. The duet’s success further solidified “Put a Little Love in Your Heart” as a beloved and enduring piece of popular music.
Video
Lyrics
Think of your fellow man
Lend him a helping hand
Put a little love in your heart
You see it’s getting late
Oh, please don’t hesitate
Put a little love in your heart
And the world will be a better place
And the world will be a better place
For you and me
You just wait and see
Another day goes by
Still the children cry
Put a little love in your heart
If you want the world to know
We won’t let hatred grow
Put a little love in your heart
And the world (and the world)
Will be a better place
All the world (and the world)
Will be a better place
For you (for you)
And me (and me)
You just wait (just wait)
And see
Wait and see
Take a good look around
And if you’re looking down
Put a little love in your heart
I hope when you decide
Kindness will be your guide
Put a little love in your heart
And the world (and the world)
Will be a better place
And the world (and the world)
Will be a better place
For you (for you)
And me (and me)
You just wait (just wait)
And see
People now, put a little love in your heart
Each and every day
Put a little love in your heart
There’s no other way
Put a little love in your heart
It’s up to you
Put a little love in your heart
Come on and
Put a little love in your heart
You’ve got to
Put a little love in your heart