Something horrible has happened. For the last five mornings I’ve desparately wanted to watch a video of the “We Are the World” song. It all started after 30 Rock did their “Milton Green Needs a Kidney” celebrity fundraising song. My kids thought it was funny but didn’t understand what it was parodying so I played them the original star-studded 1985 song written by Lionel Richie and Michael Jackson to raise money for African famine.It’s a strange combination of hilarious and inspiring. Part of it, I think, was the willingness of all of these legends to allow themselves to be bit players. You’re half way through and all of a sudden Bob Dylan pops up for 5 seconds and then he’s gone. Big lumbering egos, each with their trademark style/affectation, briefly become ensemble players.You think, “if Tina Turner and Kenny Rogers can sing together than surely we can solve world hunger.”And the comedy? Maybe it’s the sense that several of them tried to use their precious few seconds to be the stand-out, the brightest of the very bright stars. Or maybe it’s what my wife, Amy, said: “In the cynical age we now find ourselves (where kidney parodies exist), you are still riveted to Kumbaya moments…. Or the fun of seeing stars that almost seem like family members, looking younger than they do now, rocking out.”I was sad to read, however, that John Denver wanted to participate but was deemed insufficiently cool, while Madonna was invited but turned them down. Maybe that’s why we still have world hunger.Here’s the original:There are many other We Are the World remakes (including Pavorati, Liel and a collection of Swiss punk rockers) — and many parodies. For some reason, this homegrown one by “Bruce & Steve” especially tickled me:The In Living Color parody, for “Career Aid,” features Jim Carrey as Willie Nelson:And here’s the 30 Rock parody that started me down this path:
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posted May 20, 2009 at 1:25 pm
I think the day that thing came out was the day I stopped watching MTV.
posted May 20, 2009 at 5:11 pm
Don’t forget LiveAid and ‘Do They Know It’s Christmastime’. Another strangely addictive song…
posted May 22, 2009 at 8:55 am
Great song for a great purpose. It should be happening over and over again. Helping other people is the way people should be using their God given gifts rather than just selfishly storing up treasure on the earth where it rots and rusts. Store up your treasure in heaven, for God’s sake!
posted May 22, 2009 at 9:00 am
BTW, I had this yen several months ago when I brought up “We Are the World” up on U-tube and watched several versions. When it first came out in 1985 I was in my fundagelical mode and it barely registered on me, I am ashamed to say. My, my have I changed in my worldview since then, thank God.
posted May 24, 2009 at 10:16 pm
While I agree that many of those participating may not have had ‘real’ desire in them may we take one moment to acknowledge those who DID have a real desire?
Honestly, I despise those who participated for a PR fix, but I won’t let that ruin my thanks to those who actually did this video for a reason. Look at Mr. Charles. Do you think he was doing this for some publicity? Yes, I see many who are clearly doing it to get their face on TV, but I see many others who did this for the cause. And that warms my heart. That there are actual people out there who would use their celebrity to take on this cause is amazing. Thank goodness we still have those people out there.
posted August 13, 2009 at 8:30 pm
i agree with your statements. I recently heard this song and thought ‘OH MY GOSH!’ Many people seem to laugh at the name Micheal Jackson, but in my opinion he really made something good in his life. This song is an anthem for all who have been laughed at or made fun of because we are all the people who can make a change. This song has opened my eyes as well as others.