Universal Child

Annie Lennox

About Universal Child

"Universal Child" is a single by Scottish recording artist Annie Lennox, released worldwide on 12 October 2010 on Island Records. It is the lead single from her fifth studio album, A Christmas Cornucopia.


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How many mountains must you face before you learn to climb?
I'm gonna give you what it takes, my universal child

I'm gonna try to find a way to keep you safe from harm
I'm gonna be a special place, a shelter from the storm
And I can see you, you're everywhere, your portrait fills the sky
I'm gonna wrap my arms around you, my universal child

And when I look into your eyes, so innocent and pure
I see the shadow of the things that you've had to endure
I see the tracks of every tear that ran right down your face
I see the hurt, I see the pain, I see the human race
And I can feel you, you're everywhere, shining like the sun
I wished to god that kids like you could be like everyone

How many tumbles must it take before you learn to fly?
I'm going to help you spread your wings, my universal child

I'm gonna try to find a way to keep you safe from harm
We're gonna be a special place, a shelter from the storm

I can feel you, you're everywhere, shining like the sun
And I wished to god that kids like you could be like everyone
And I wished to god that kids like you could be like everyone

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Annie Lennox

Ann "Annie" Lennox, OBE (born 25 December 1954) is a Scottish singer-songwriter, political activist and philanthropist. After achieving minor success in the late 1970s as part of the New Wave band The Tourists, she and fellow musician David A. Stewart went on to achieve major international success in the 1980s as Eurythmics. Lennox is the most recognized female artist at the Brit Awards, winning a total of eight awards. She has also been named the "Brits Champion of Champions". more »

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Written by: ANNIE LENNOX

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


26 facts about this song

Song Artist
"Universal Child" is performed by Scottish singer-songwriter, Annie Lennox.
Album Info
The song is included in her fifth studio album named "A Christmas Cornucopia," which was released in November 2010.
Philanthropy
The song was used to promote fundraising for the Annie Lennox Foundation, which raises funds for charitable projects in Africa.
Musical Style
The song is characterized by Annie Lennox's powerful and emotive vocals, accompanied by a full choir, which gives it a gospel feel.
Personal Significance
Lennox often emphasizes the song's theme, stating it's about the childlike aspect within every person, the part that's vulnerable and innocent.
Music Video
The music video premiered on YouTube on 12th November 2010 and features Lennox singing in a studio, interspersed with pictures of children and adults from around the world.
Performance
She performed this song live on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno in December 2010.
Single Release
The song was also released as a single in the United Kingdom in November 2010 and it was her first original song to be released as a single from a Christmas album.
Reception
"Universal Child" received favourable reviews from music critics. The song's lyrical theme and the emotional delivery of Lennox were highly praised.
Christmas Theme
While her album, "A Christmas Cornucopia," contains mostly traditional Christmas carols, "Universal Child" stands out as the only original track on the album.
Lyrics
The lyrics of "Universal Child" have a universal message, invoking empathy and compassion for every child who's born into this world, with Lennox singing, "Every single one of us is a universal child."
Meaning
Lennox has stated that the song is a reminder that everyone starts life as an innocent child, but circumstances and environment affect how they grow up – it’s an impassioned plea for children’s rights around the world.
Promotional Use
The song was used for promotional purposes with part of the sales proceeds going to The Annie Lennox Foundation.
Artist Recognition
"Universal Child" is a song by highly acclaimed Scottish singer-songwriter Annie Lennox, who has won multiple prestigious awards such as the Grammy and the Ivor Novello.
Album Placement
It is included in her fifth studio album, "A Christmas Cornucopia" released in 2010, despite the song not being a traditional Christmas carol.
Charitable Connection
All the proceeds from the sales of "Universal Child" were donated to The Annie Lennox Foundation, which aims to improve the lives of children and adults affected by HIV/AIDS in Africa.
Meaningful Lyrics
The song lyrically addresses the plight of children suffering from poverty around the world, highlighting the importance of looking after every "universal child."
Song Creation
Lennox wrote and produced "Universal Child," showcasing her talent not only as a singer, but also as a songwriter and producer.
Instrumental Arrangement
Orchestral elements play a key role in the musical arrangement of the song, creating a moving and emotional auditory experience.
Single Release
"Universal Child" was released as a digital download in the United States before the release of the full album.
Impact
Lennox’s song not only creates an emotional impact on the listeners with its poignant lyrics, but also has a material impact in the world through the financial support contributed to her foundation.
Chart Performance
Despite its compelling message and the fame of its artist, "Universal Child" did not achieve high chart positions.
Multiple Roles
Apart from providing vocals, Lennox also played the keyboard elements in the song.
Re-interpretation
The song is considered a reinterpretation of "Universal Child," a track Lennox first recorded in 1992.
Christmas Connection
Lennox chose to include the song on a Christmas-themed album due to its underlying theme of love, compassion, and charity, embodying the true spirit of the holiday season.
Critical Reception
The song received positive reviews from music critics praising its lyrics and Lennox's powerful vocal performance.

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