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

Randy Houser

Randy HouserSongwriter Interviews

The "How Country Feels" singer talks Skynyrd and songwriting.

Gilby Clarke

Gilby ClarkeSongwriter Interviews

The Guns N' Roses rhythm guitarist in the early '90s, Gilby talks about the band's implosion and the side projects it spawned.

Subversive Songs Used To Sell

Subversive Songs Used To SellSong Writing

Songs about drugs, revolution and greed that have been used in commercials for sneakers, jeans, fast food, cruises and cars.

Tom Bailey of Thompson Twins

Tom Bailey of Thompson TwinsSongwriter Interviews

Tom stopped performing Thompson Twins songs in 1987, in part because of their personal nature: "Hold Me Now" came after an argument with his bandmate/girlfriend Alannah Currie.

Krishna Das

Krishna DasSongwriter Interviews

The top chant artist in the Western world, Krishna Das talks about how these Hindu mantras compare to Christian worship songs.

What Musicians Are Related to Other Musicians?

What Musicians Are Related to Other Musicians?Song Writing

A big list of musical marriages and family relations ranging from the simple to the truly dysfunctional.