About the song
Ray Stevens and “Everything Is Beautiful”, now that’s a song that brings back memories. Released in 1970, it marked a fascinating shift in Stevens’ career, a man previously known for his comedic novelty tunes like “Ahab the Arab” and “Gitarzan.”
Stevens was a true musical chameleon. He began his career in the late 50s, showcasing his skills as a songwriter, session musician, and arranger. But it was his comedic side that truly launched him into the spotlight. Songs like “Bridget the Midget” pushed boundaries and garnered significant popularity, though their humor wouldn’t necessarily fly today.
Then came the late 60s, and Stevens surprised everyone with a shift towards more serious subject matter. We saw this in powerful songs like “Mr. Businessman,” a commentary on the relentless pursuit of success. But it was “Everything Is Beautiful” that truly cemented his ability to traverse genres.
This wasn’t just a departure – it was a full-fledged transformation. The song is a sentimental ballad, a stark contrast to the wacky wordplay and silly sound effects that dominated his earlier work. “Everything Is Beautiful” is a message of hope and optimism, a gentle reminder to find beauty in the everyday, even amidst the turmoil of the late 60s.
The song’s success was undeniable. It became a number one hit, a Grammy Award winner for Stevens in the “Best Contemporary Performance by a Male Vocalist” category, and a pop standard that transcended generations. Interestingly, Stevens himself wasn’t initially convinced of its commercial viability, given his comedic background.
The song’s intro is particularly noteworthy. Stevens cleverly opens with a snippet of the hymn “Jesus Loves the Little Children,” sung by a children’s choir. This sets the stage for the message of innocence and universal love that permeates the entire song.
“Everything Is Beautiful” may have surprised audiences familiar with Stevens’ comedic persona, but it ultimately showcased his remarkable versatility as a songwriter and performer. It’s a testament to his ability to connect with listeners on a deeper level, offering a message of hope and beauty that continues to resonate today.
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Lyrics
“Everything Is Beautiful”
All the children of the world
Pretty yellow black and white
They are precious in his sight
Jesus loves the little children of the world
Everything is beautiful
In it’s own way
Like a starry summer night
On a snow covered winter’s day
And everybody’s beautiful
In their own way
Under God’s heaven
The world’s gonna find a way
There is none so blind
As he who will not see
We must not close our minds
We must let our thoughts be free
For every hour that passes by
You know the world gets a little bit older
It’s time to realize that people lies
In the eyes of the beholder
And everything is beautiful
In it’s own way
Like a starry summer night
On a snow covered winter’s day, ah sing it children
And everybody’s beautiful
In their own way
Under God’s heaven
The world’s gonna find a way
We shouldn’t care about the length of his hair
Of the color of his skin
Don’t worry about what shows from without
But the love that lives within
We’re gonna get old again now
Everything is gonna work out fine
Just take a little time to the calm good side my friend
And spittle in out in your mind
And everything is beautiful
In it’s own way
Like a starry summer night
On a snow covered winter’s day, ah sing it children
And everybody’s beautiful
In their own way
Under God’s heaven
The world’s gonna find a way, one more time
Everything is beautiful
In it’s own way
Like a starry summer night
On a snow covered winter’s day