In cabaret song What makes world go round?

In the realm of cabaret songs, one classic that addresses the intriguing question of what makes the world go round is "If I Ruled the World" by Leslie Bricusse and Cyril Ornadel. The song explores what the individual would prioritize if they had the power to shape the world. While it doesn't explicitly say what makes the world go round, it offers an introspective look at potential solutions and human choices. Here's a closer look at the lyrics:

"Verse 1:

If I ruled the world, every child would have a home

Every man would have a job, every heart a reason for living

There'd be love in every life and the moon would never grow old

Analysis:

In this verse, the singer envisions a world where children have homes, men have jobs, and people have purpose in their lives. They also long for enduring love and a sense of timelessness. The implication here is that these elements could potentially contribute to a better, more harmonious world.

Chorus:

If I ruled the world, would there be peace on earth?

Or the hate that men hold for one another,

Would it still hold sway, I just don't know

Analysis:

The chorus raises a fundamental question about whether peace would prevail if a single individual had the power to shape the world. The singer wonders if the hatred that exists between people would persist or if it would be eliminated. This suggests that peace and unity could be key factors in creating a better world.

Verse 2:

There would be no need of armies, no need for wars at all

Men could use their minds for nobler ends and their hands to build instead

Analysis:

In this verse, the singer imagines a world without armies and wars, where people use their intelligence for noble pursuits and work together to construct. By implication, this suggests that the elimination of violence and constructive collaboration are necessary for a better world.

Chorus:

If I ruled the world, would there be peace on earth?

Or the hate that men hold for one another,

Would it still hold sway, I just don't know

Analysis:

The chorus is repeated, emphasizing the singer's uncertainty about whether their vision of a better world would be attainable or whether the challenges and conflicts that exist in reality would remain.

Ultimately, the song "If I Ruled the World" doesn't provide a definitive answer to what makes the world go round, but it encourages contemplation and reflection on what truly matters in creating a better society. It suggests that factors like peace, love, opportunities for children and men, the elimination of violence, and constructive collaboration could all contribute to a world that revolves around positivity and progress.