“We Are the World” by USA for Africa is one of the most iconic charity singles of all time, released on March 7, 1985 to raise funds for famine relief in Africa. Written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie and produced by Quincy Jones, the song brought together a supergroup of some of the biggest names in music at the time. Its message of unity, compassion, and collective action resonated globally, making it a commercial and cultural phenomenon. Here’s a closer look at the song’s background, themes, and legacy.
“We Are the World” was inspired by the success of Band Aid’s 1984 charity single “Do They Know It’s Christmas?”, which raised money for famine relief in Ethiopia. Harry Belafonte and Ken Kragen, along with other music industry figures, wanted to create a similar project in the United States. Lionel Richie and Michael Jackson were enlisted to write the song, and Quincy Jones was brought on board as producer. The recording session, held on January 28, 1985, after the American Music Awards, was a historic event. Over 40 artists participated, including Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Wonder, Bob Dylan, Diana Ross, Cyndi Lauper, Tina Turner, Ray Charles, Billy Joel, and Willie Nelson. This unprecedented gathering of talent emphasized the collaborative spirit of the project.
The lyrics of “We Are the World” deliver a message of hope, unity, and collective responsibility. The song calls on listeners to recognize their shared humanity and take action to help those in need. The lyrics emphasize themes of compassion and empowerment, suggesting that small individual actions, when combined, can create significant change. The refrain, “There’s a choice we’re making, we’re saving our own lives,” underscores the interconnectedness of humanity, framing the act of giving as beneficial to everyone, not just the recipients.
The song combines pop, gospel, and soft rock elements to create an uplifting, anthemic sound. It begins with a soft, melodic introduction before building into a powerful, harmonized chorus. The verses feature a series of solo performances by the participating artists, each adding their unique vocal style and emotional weight to the song. Quincy Jones’s production balances the diverse voices of the supergroup, ensuring that each artist shines while maintaining the cohesiveness of the track. The climactic final chorus, featuring all the artists singing together, creates a sense of unity and emotional resonance.
“We Are the World” was a massive commercial success. Released on March 7, 1985, it debuted at #21 on the Billboard Hot 100 and quickly climbed to #1, where it stayed for four weeks. The single sold over 20 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling singles of all time. It also won several awards, including Grammy Awards for Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal. The success of the single was accompanied by a music video and a behind-the-scenes documentary, which further amplified its impact. The project raised over $63 million (equivalent to over $160 million today) for famine relief and humanitarian efforts in Africa.
“We Are the World” became a symbol of global unity and the power of music to inspire change. It highlighted the potential for the entertainment industry to address pressing social issues and set a precedent for future charity collaborations, such as Live Aid, Farm Aid, and Hands Across America.
USA for Africa members:
Soloists:
Lionel Richie, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Paul Simon, Kenny Rogers, James Ingram, Tina Turner, Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, Cyndi Lauper, Bob Dylan, Diana Ross, Dionne Warwick, Huey Lewis, Willie Nelson, Al Jarreau, Daryl Hall, Kim Carnes, Ray Charles, Kenny Loggins and Steve Perry
Chorus:
The Pointer Sisters, Harry Belafonte, Dan Aykroyd, Smokey Robinson, Sheila E., Bob Geldof, Bette Midler, John Oates, Jeffrey Osborne, Lindsey Buckingham, Sean Hopper, Mario Cipollina, Bill Gibson, Johnny Colla, Chris Hayes, Waylon Jennings, Jackie Jackson, La Toya Jackson, Marlon Jackson, Randy Jackson, Tito Jackson