The song lyrics were written by the band Van Halen, as they were asked to write a song for the 1979 movie "Over the Edge" starring Matt Dillon. The movie (and the lyrics, although more obliquely) are about bored, rebellious youth with nothing better to do than get into trouble. If you see the movie, these lyrics will make more sense. It's a great movie if you grew up in the 70s/80s you'll definitely remember some of these characters from your own life. Fun fact, after writing the song, Van Halen decided not to let the movie use it.
What this world needs
Is not another one-hit wonder with an axe to grind
Another two-bit politician peddling lies
Another three-ring circus society
What this world needs
Is not another sign-waving super- that thinks he's better than you
Another ear-pleasing candy man afraid of the truth
Another prophet in an Armani suite
[Chorus:]
What this world needs is a savior who will rescue
A spirit who will lead
A father who will love them
In their time of need
A savior who will rescue
A spirit who will lead
A father who will love
That's what this world needs
What this world needs
Is for us to care more about the inside than the outside
Have we become so blind that we can't see
God's gotta change your heart before he changes a shirt
What this world needs
Is for us to stop hiding behind our relevance
Blending in so well that people can't see the difference
And it's the difference that sets the world free
[Chorus]
People aren't confused by the gospel
They're confused by us
Jesus is the only way to god
But we are not the only way to Jesus
This world doesn't need my tie, my hoodie
My denomination or my translation of the bible
They just need Jesus
We can be passionate about what we believe
But we can't strap ourselves to the gospel
'Cause we're slowing it down
Jesus is going to save the world
But maybe the best thing we can do
Is just get out of the way
[Chorus]
Jesus is our savior
That's what this world needs
The father's arms around you
That's what this world needs
That's what this world needs
Is not another one-hit wonder with an axe to grind
Another two-bit politician peddling lies
Another three-ring circus society
What this world needs
Is not another sign-waving super- that thinks he's better than you
Another ear-pleasing candy man afraid of the truth
Another prophet in an Armani suite
[Chorus:]
What this world needs is a savior who will rescue
A spirit who will lead
A father who will love them
In their time of need
A savior who will rescue
A spirit who will lead
A father who will love
That's what this world needs
What this world needs
Is for us to care more about the inside than the outside
Have we become so blind that we can't see
God's gotta change your heart before he changes a shirt
What this world needs
Is for us to stop hiding behind our relevance
Blending in so well that people can't see the difference
And it's the difference that sets the world free
[Chorus]
People aren't confused by the gospel
They're confused by us
Jesus is the only way to god
But we are not the only way to Jesus
This world doesn't need my tie, my hoodie
My denomination or my translation of the bible
They just need Jesus
We can be passionate about what we believe
But we can't strap ourselves to the gospel
'Cause we're slowing it down
Jesus is going to save the world
But maybe the best thing we can do
Is just get out of the way
[Chorus]
Jesus is our savior
That's what this world needs
The father's arms around you
That's what this world needs
That's what this world needs
Lyrics submitted by WhisperingLife
What This World Needs Lyrics as written by John Mark Hall Hector Alonzo Cervantes
Lyrics © ESSENTIAL MUSIC PUBLISHING, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Capitol CMG Publishing
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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