Bless the Beasts and Children

Carpenters

About Bless the Beasts and Children

"Bless the Beasts and Children" is the theme song to the 1971 eponymous film and was performed by the Carpenters. It was featured on the B-side to their hit, "Superstar". The B-side charted on the Billboard Hot 100, eventually topping out at #67. In order to promote it, The Carpenters performed it on their television series, Make Your Own Kind of Music, as "F" for "Film Music". It was nominated for a 1972 Academy Award for Best Song, but it lost to Isaac Hayes' "Theme from Shaft". The original soundtrack included two different versions of "Bless the Beasts and Children", the other being an orchestral instrumental arrangement by composers Barry DeVorzon and Perry Botkin, Jr., and the original "Nadia's Theme", which was listed as "Cotton's Dream". "Cotton's Dream" was also used as the theme song to the 1973 soap opera, The Young and the Restless, and later "Bless the Beasts and Children" was used when David Hasselhoff's character, Dr. "Snapper" Foster, had to say goodbye to his son in a dramatic 1982 episode of the series. The song was originally released on the original soundtrack, and a slightly different version was released on the Carpenters' 1972 LP, A Song for You on June 13, 1972. The original soundtrack had a vibraphone playing the melody in the introduction, while the A Song for You version, released on the single, contained an oboe stating the melody. The two versions (soundtrack and album versions) faded out toward the end, but in 1985, Richard Carpenter re-mixed the song so it does not fade out in the end. He also added a harder bass-line. 


Year:
2002
3:14
25 
#1

 The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com

Bless the beasts and the children,
For in this world they have no voice,
They have no choice.
Bless the beasts and the children,
For the world can never be,
The world they see.

Light their way
When the darkness surrounds them;
Give them love, let it shine all around them.
Bless the beasts and the children;
Give them shelter from a storm;
Keep them safe;
Keep them warm.

Light their way
When the darkness surrounds them;
Give them love, let it shine all around them.
Bless the beasts and the children;
Give them shelter from a storm;
Keep them safe;
Keep them warm.

Bless the beasts and the children;
Give them shelter from a storm;
Keep them safe;
Keep them warm.

 The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com


Carpenters

The Carpenters were an American vocal and instrumental duo of Karen and Richard Carpenter. They produced a distinct soft musical style, combining Karen's contralto vocals with Richard's arranging and composition skills. more »

7 fans

Written by: BARRY DE VORZON, PERRY L BOTKIN

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


15 facts about this song

Album Release
"Bless the Beasts and Children" is featured on the fourth studio album by the Carpenters, 'A Song for You,' which was released in June 1972.
Soundtrack Use
The song was originally written and recorded for the 1971 film 'Bless the Beasts and Children,' serving as its theme song.
Music Composer
The song was written by Barry DeVorzon and Perry Botkin Jr., but Richard Carpenter, who is one-half of the Carpenters, re-arranged and conducted the song for its release.
Nominations
"Bless the Beasts and Children" was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song, but it didn't win the award.
Genre
The genre of this song can be classified as Soft Rock, Pop, and Adult Contemporary.
Billboard Ranking
Though not one of the group's major hits, "Bless the Beasts and Children" did reach #67 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Social Message
The song carries a strong social message, advocating against the mistreatment of animals and children.
Non-album Single
Although part of 'A Song for You' album, it was also released as a non-album single in 1971.
Vocalist
Karen Carpenter, sister of Richard Carpenter, was the lead vocalist for this song. She is often remembered for her distinctive contralto singing voice.
Instrumentation
Richard Carpenter was in charge of the unique and intricate arrangement of the song, which includes the use of piano, strings and his sister's smooth vocals.
Moniker
The title of the film and song comes from an anglicized corruption of the Russian saying, "Bless the beasts and the children," a sentiment about protecting all creatures, especially those who can't defend themselves.
Cover Versions
The Carpenters' version of "Bless the Beasts and Children" has been covered by numerous artists, including Nick Decaro and Dianne Reeves.
Music Video
A music video was made for the song, featuring footage from the movie intercut with footage of the Carpenters performing the song in a studio.
Richard Carpenter's View
Richard Carpenter has often voiced his disappointment that the song didn't do better on the charts, despite its powerful message and the popularity of the Carpenters at the time.
Legacy
Despite not being one of the Carpenters' biggest hits, "Bless the Beasts and Children" is cherished by fans for its meaningful lyrics and the beautiful performance by Karen Carpenter.

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