Small World (Part One)

Album: Small World (1988)
Charted: 25
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Not to be confused with the famous Disney song, this "Small World" is the title track to Huey Lewis & the News' fifth album. Written by Lewis with his guitarist, Chris Hayes, the song is about how we all need to give a little if we're going to get along. It's a small world, and it's the only one we've got.
  • This song is divided into two parts. Part One opens the album and features the Tower of Power horn section. Part Two is Track 5, and in addition to the ToP horns, has a tenor sax solo from Stan Getz, famous for his rendition of "The Girl From Ipanema."

    Getz introduced himself to Lewis at a benefit concert for the sax player Zoot Sims, who died in 1985. He told Lewis he'd be happy to play on some of his songs, so Lewis took him up on the offer. Getz' business card said, "Stan Getz. Have sax, will travel."
  • Huey Lewis had a "world" theme going; the lead single from the album was "Perfect World," which went to #3 in America. "Small World" followed, but didn't do as well, topping out at #25. "Perfect World" was helped by an MTV-friendly video; the "Small World" video was compiled from concert footage.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Jon Foreman of Switchfoot

Jon Foreman of SwitchfootSongwriter Interviews

Switchfoot's frontman and main songwriter on what inspires the songs and how he got the freedom to say exactly what he means.

Matthew Wilder - "Break My Stride"

Matthew Wilder - "Break My Stride"They're Playing My Song

Wilder's hit "Break My Stride" had an unlikely inspiration: a famous record mogul who rejected it.

He Hit Me (And It Felt Like A Kiss): A History Of Abuse Pop

He Hit Me (And It Felt Like A Kiss): A History Of Abuse PopSong Writing

Songs that seem to glorify violence against women are often misinterpreted - but not always.

Andy McClusky of OMD

Andy McClusky of OMDSongwriter Interviews

Known in America for the hit "If You Leave," OMD is a huge influence on modern electronic music.

Phil Hurtt ("I'll Be Around")

Phil Hurtt ("I'll Be Around")Songwriter Interviews

Phil was a songwriter, producer and voice behind many Philadelphia soul classics. When disco hit, he got an interesting project: The Village People.

Five Rockers Who Rolled With The Devil

Five Rockers Who Rolled With The DevilSong Writing

Just how much did these monsters of rock dabble in the occult?