If I Ruled the World

Tony Bennett

About If I Ruled the World

"If I Ruled the World" is a popular song, composed by Leslie Bricusse and Cyril Ornadel, which was originally from the 1963 West End musical Pickwick (based on Charles Dickens's The Pickwick Papers). In the context of the stage musical, the song is sung by Samuel Pickwick, when he is mistaken for an election candidate and called on by the crowd to give his manifesto. Ornadel and Bricusse received the 1963 Ivor Novello award for Best Song Musically and Lyrically. The song is usually associated with Sir Harry Secombe, who got the song to No 18 in the UK charts in 1963. Tony Bennett originally recorded the song in 1965, and had a number 34 hit with it on the U. S. pop singles charts. With Celine Dion, he returned to the song on his Grammy-winning 2006 album Duets: An American Classic. It has been performed by other singers, notably Robert Goulet, James Brown, Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, Tom Jones and Regina Belle. Andy Hallett, the actor best known for playing the part of Lorne ('The Host') in the television series Angel, sang the song in that series' final episode. The politician-spoofing BBC panel show If I Ruled the World was named after the song. 


Year:
2014
3:00
48 
#2

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If I ruled the world
Every day would be the first day of spring
Every heart would have a new song to sing
And we'd sing of the joy every morning would bring

If I ruled the world
Every man would be as free as a bird
Every voice would be a voice to be heard
Take my word we would treasure each day that occurred

My world would be a beautiful place
Where we would weave such wonderful dreams
My world would wear a smile on its face
Like the man in the moon has when the moon beams

If I ruled the world
Every man would say the world was his friend
There'd be happiness that no man could end
No my friend, not if I ruled the world
Every head would be held up high
There'd be sunshine in everyone's sky
If the day ever dawned when I ruled the world

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Tony Bennett

Anthony Dominick Benedetto, better known as Tony Bennett (born August 3, 1926), is an Italian-American singer of popular music, standards, show tunes, and jazz. Bennett is also a serious and accomplished painter, having created works—under the name Anthony Benedetto—that are on permanent public display in several institutions. He is the founder of the Frank Sinatra School of the Arts in New York City. more »

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Written by: CYRIL ORNADEL, LESLIE BRICUSSE

Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


5 facts about this song

Harry Secombe
"If I Ruled the World" was one of the hit songs performed by Harry Secombe, a popular Welsh comedian and singer. - Secombe is largely recognized for his portrayal of Neddie Seagoon in the BBC radio comedy series ‘The Goon Show.’ - His version of "If I Ruled the World" peaked at No. 18 in the UK Singles Chart in September 1963.
James Brown
The song "If I Ruled the World" was released by James Brown in 1970 and was included in the album "Soul on Top." - This rendition falls under the genre of funk and soul, exemplifying Brown’s signature sound. Unlike other versions, it introduced a funky and bold twist to the original. - Brown, also known as the "Godfather of Soul,” notably reshaped the landscape of music with his innovative style.
Robert Goulet
Robert Goulet, a Grammy-winning and Tony Award-winning singer and actor, also released a version of "If I Ruled the World." - He covered the song on his album "Both Sides Now" released in 1968. - Goulet’s rendition exemplified his rich baritone voice, adding a unique flair to the song.
The Supremes
The Supremes, a top girl group of the 1960s, covered "If I Ruled the World" on their fourteenth studio album, "I Hear a Symphony," released in 1966. - Their version of the song featured the soulful voices of the group, adding a Motown twist to the song. - The Supremes were notable for setting high standards for diverse American pop music groups and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988.
Tony Bennett
"If I Ruled the World" is best-known from Tony Bennett and was included in his album "If I Ruled the World: Songs for the Jet Set" in 1965. - Bennett's rendition of the song earned him a Grammy Award in 1966 for the Best Solo Vocal Performance, Male. - As a part of Tony Bennett’s repertoire, this song played a key role in establishing his enduring career in the music industry. During his career, Bennett has won 20 Grammy Awards and has sold over 50 million records worldwide.

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    If I Ruled the World

    182K
    1,938     29

    Top Hot 100 Songs 1965

    Billboard #34


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