Humans Need Love Too!

Contrary to what some believe, loving Nature, trees, animals, clouds and forests and deserts and the Planet Earth does not mean we don’t also love human beings! Our species is a social one, and we need both “romantic” love and “agape” love (universal brotherhood & sisterhood) for our fellow humans.

Of course, romantic “love songs” are a perennial favorite, and the focus of many of the music superstars in history. But let’s not limit our songs to commercial successes; nor to the romance genre.

First, for many of us, friends are “chosen family.” So songs celebrating friendship are crucial. These can sometimes overlap with the Peace Songs genre listed elsewhere on this website.

Second, we also need songs of self-affirmation. You have to love yourself before you can love others.

Finally, I attempt here to emphasize songs that anyone can all sing-along to; a task that is not always successful.

Earth Songs
In This Section

Favorite "People" Songs

“A Man’s a Man for A’ That” by famed Scots poet Robert Burns, composed in 1796.

Performed by Valerie Dunbar in 1996 on the compilation album “A Tribute in Song to Robert Burns.”

“Be a Light” by Thomas Rhett, Josh Miller, Josh Thompson and Matthew Dragstrem (2020)

This version is performed by the Rise Up Children’s Choir and their friends GENTRI and Easton Shane, sharing an uplifting message of hope and inspiration. Amid the world’s negativity and sadness, we can be a light in the darkness. Originally the song was recorded and released by American country music singer Thomas Rhett, featuring guest vocals from Reba McEntire, Hillary Scott, Chris Tomlin, and Keith Urban. It was released on March 30, 2020.

Evynne Hollens and Virtual Choir – “Heal the World”/”We are the World” (mashup cover of the Michael Jackson songs) (2020)

In the midst of Covid-19 pandemic, Evynne Hollens, Pater Hollens, The Fox + the Hound, Adriana Ripley and the Oregon Girl’s choir came together remotely to give this message of love in the middle of the multiple crises of the spring of 2020.

Elvis Presley – “Can’t Help Falling in Love.” (1961) Commonly thought of as a romantic love song, this song is actually about inter-generational, inter-personal love. Elvis debuted the song in his film “Blue Hawaii,” where he sang the song to his girlfriend’s grandmother.

Of course, “Can’t Help Falling in Love” remains a staple for weddings around the world. This version by Kina Grannis performed in the 2018 movie “Crazy Rich Asians” is particularly beautiful for the visual artistry as much as her haunting gentle voice.

Louie Armstrong – “What a Wonderful World?” (1967) – Armstrong explained the song in a 1970 spoken introduction:
“Some of you young folks been saying to me ” Hey Pops, what you mean ‘What a wonderful world’? How about all them wars all over the place? You call them wonderful? And how about hunger and pollution? That ain’t so wonderful either.” Well how about listening to old Pops for a minute. Seems to me, it aint the world that’s so bad but what we’re doin’ to it. And all I’m saying is see what a wonderful world It would be if only we’d give it a chance. Love baby, love. That’s the secret, yeah. If lots more of us loved each other we’d solve lots more problems. And then this world would be gasser. That’s wha’ ol’ Pops keeps saying.”

Playing for Change – “What a Wonderful World?” – This performance features Grandpa Elliott along with beautiful children’s choirs from around the world. Posted on YouTube in 2012, the video has nearly 30 million views as of May, 2020!

Aussie Pops Orchestra – “What a Wonderful World “ -(March 29, 2020) – The timelessness of this song and its healing properties is exemplified in this orchestral/chorale version created and distributed while these musicians and many people in the world were “sheltering in place” due to the world-wide COVID-19 Pandemic of 2020.

My favorite “mash-up” version of these two songs is this YouTube music video version performed by the Fox and the Hound & Peter Hollens and Evynne Hollens.

“May the Light of Love” – by David Roth
Performed by the Kingston Trio, from their 2012 album Born at the Right Time.”

A “thanksgiving” song.

“May the light of love be shining deep within your spirit, May the torch of mercy clear the path and show the way, May the horn of plenty be sound so everyone can hear it; May the light of love be with you everyday…”

Available in the songbook, Rise Up Singing, p. 45

“May the Light of Love” – by David Roth
Performed by Ann Hills and David Roth from their 2012 album “Rhubarb Trees.”

A “thanksgiving song” – “May the light of love be shining deep within your spirit, May the torch of mercy clear the path and show the way, May the horn of plenty be sound so everyone can hear it; May the light of love be with you everyday…”

Available in the songbook, Rise Up Singing, p. 45

“We Are” – by Ysaÿe Barnwell

“We Are” is a tribute to diversity and to the continuity of the generations. The song has special meaning in these times calling for greater social justice and unity.

Originally performed by Sweet Honey in the Rock, the Unitarian Universalist General Assembly 2020 Virtual Choir sang his dynamite version, with Dr. Barnwell herself leading the singing.

“Somewhere Over the Rainbow” – is another of my favorite songs of self-affirmation. In this music video, beloved Hawaiian musician Israel “Iz” Ka’ano’i Kamakawiwo’Ole sings a beautiful medley of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” and “What a Wonderful World.”

Pat Humphries – “Swimming to the Other Side” – an outstanding song of self-affirmation and unity. This version of the song containiing the lyrics is performed by Elaine Silver. Artwork and video by Sarah Alexander. NPR has produced an outstanding audio documentary about the song:

- Swimming to the Other Side: Song Review by Harold Wood
- The Evolution of Pat Humphries’ Modern Folk Anthem (2002)

Broadway for Orlando – “What the World Needs Now” – The big 1965 hit by Jackie DeShannon is given the full orchestral and chorus treatment in this video version of the song, which features a star-studded cast including Sara Bareilles, Kristin Bell, Idina Menzel, Audra McDonald, Gloria Estefan, Carole King, and many more.

The World Es Mi Familia” – from the film “Coco” (with lyrics)

To be here with you tonight
Brings me joy, que alegria 
For this music is my language 
And the world es mi familia

“People Just Want to Be Free” – The Rascals

People everywhere just wanna be free
Listen, please listen, that’s the way it should be
Peace in the valley, people got to be free
You should see, what a lovely, lovely world this would be
If everyone learned to live together
t seems to me such an easy, easy thing this would be
Why can’t you and me learn to love one another
All the world over, so easy to see
…
If there’s a man who is down and needs a helping hand
All it takes is you to understand and to see him through
Seems to me, we got to solve it individually
And I’ll do unto you what you do to me

“Love Wins” – Carrie Underwood

Thi song was written by Carrie Underwood with Brett James and David Garcia, and released by Carrie Underwood on August 31, 2018 as the second single from her sixth studio album, Cry Pretty. Rolling Stone magazine, described it as “an open-armed anthem that calls for peace in a time of civil unrest.” The chorus provides the core message of the song:

I believe you and me are sisters and brothersAnd I, I believe we’re made to be here for each otherAnd we’ll never fall if we walk hand in handPut a world that seems broken together againYeah I, I believe in the end love wins

More Songs about Friendship and Self-Esteem

“(I’m Gonna) Love Me Again” – from the 2019 biopic of Elton John: Rocketman. Written by Elton John and his long-time songwriting collaborator Bernie Taupin, the song was performed by John and Taron Egerton, who portrayed John in the film. The lyrics celebrate a state of positive self-affirmation after an extremely difficult childhood and troubled youth: “Singing, I’m gonna love me again / Check in on my very best friend / Find the wind to fill my sails/ Rise above the broken rails.” The official music video features both archival clips from John’s early career as well as scenes from the film. The song won “Best Original Song” at the 77th Golden Globe Awards, “Best Song” at the 25th Critics’ Choice Awards, “Best Original Song” at the 24th Satellite Awards, and Best Original Song at the 92nd Academy Awards (the “Oscars.”)
Carole King/James Taylor – “You’ve Got a Friend” –“Winter, spring, summer or fall/All you’ve got to do is call/And I’ll be there yes I will/You’ve got a friend.”
Perhaps the quintessential song describing the enduring strength and love of a friend. The song was originally written and recorded by Carole King in 1971, for her groundbreaking album Tapestry. James Taylor covered and released it as a chart-topping single from his album Mud Slide Slim and the Blue Horizon the same year. Its popularity for over 50 years makes it an absolute classic. In April, 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the song was performed on YouTube by the Cast of Beautiful (Broadway Musical based on Carole King) with all the performers streaming their contribution from their homes.
Eric Clapton – Hello Old Friend (Youtube) – This song merges our love of nature with love of people! The refrain,
“Hello old friend,
It’s really good to see you once again.”
in the first stanza is referring to a flower:
“I saw a flower glowing in the dark.
It looked so pretty and it was unique;
I had to bend down just to have a peek.”
In the next stanza, the lyrics point out the need to get out of your car and walk to where your friend is; the last stanza reflects on seeing an old man on the street and not being sure if you knew him, but when he tipped his hat, “then I knew his name.”
Coldplay ‘ “Viva La Vida”
Randy Newman – “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” –This theme song to the Disney/Pixar animated film “Toy Story.” A terrific “sing-along” song: “You’ve got a friend in me/You’ve got a friend in me/When the road looks rough ahead/And you’re miles and miles from your nice warm bed/You just remember what your old pal said/Boy, you’ve got a friend in me…”
Simon and Garfunkel – “Old Friends”
Cyndi Lauper – “True Colors” – “And I see your true colors/Shining through/I see your true colors/And that’s why I love you.”
Lady Gaga – “Born this Way” – “My mama told me when I was young / We are all born superstars / There’s nothing wrong with loving who you are / Don’t hide yourself in regret
Just love yourself and you’re set / Give yourself prudence
And love your friends / So we can rejoice your truth…
The Greatest Showman (film) – “This is Me” – I am who I’m meant to be, this is me / Look out ’cause here I come / And I’m marching on to the beat I drum / I’m not scared to be seen / I make no apologies, this is me
Leonard Cohen – “Hallelujah” – Performed by PS22 (YouTube)