Love is All You Need

1 year ago by Jeff Woods | June 24, 2009 1:32 pm

In 1967, The Beatles were asked to come up with a song containing a simple message to be understood by all nationalities, to be included as Britain’s contribution to what was known as "Our World", the first global TV broadcast via satellite.

John, being fascinated by the power of slogans to unite people and never afraid to create art out of propaganda, came up with the goods.

The interviews on  The Beatles Anthology documentary series reveal that Paul and George were unsure whether the song was written for Our World. However, both Ringo and Beatlles Producer George Martin suggest it was. 

Here’s what Paul said:  "I don’t think it was written specially for it. But it was one of the songs we had. It was certainly tailored to it once we had it. But I’ve got a feeling it was just one of John’s songs that was coming there. We went down to Olympic Studios in Barnes and recorded it and then it became the song they said, ‘Ah. This is the one we should use.’

For the actual global broadcast, that happened today the 25th of June 1967, the Beatles were (except for Ringo) seated on stools, accompanied by a small studio orchestra. They were surrounded by friends and acquaintances seated on the floor, who sang with the refrain during the fade-out, including Mick Jagger, Eric Clapton, Keith Moon and Graham Nash.

Was John right, is Love All You Need?

Enjoy,

Jeff.

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  • debbie m/over 25yrlistner
    June 25, 2009 at 8:38 am

    Hi Jeff,
    I do believe that all you need is love. when you are respected,and arms around you and your soul you feel at peace with all around you .Yes it is very important. WE all fall into the trap. and even to love ourselves makes for a whole lot better.
    cheers and peace.

    (Reply)
  • Lola
    June 25, 2009 at 9:46 am

    John was never more right. Is is such a simple yet powerful message “all you need is love”. Unfortunately, most of the world subscribes to Gordon Gecko (sp?)message of “greed is good” – greed is what is at the heart of all the world’s troubles. Love, Love, Love … peace! (I sound like a hippie!)

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  • Christina
    June 25, 2009 at 10:10 am

    We all know the short answer: Love alone is not enough.

    But that was 1967, for its time, the youthful optimism and exuberance that was the spirit in which the song was devised, John was playing the role of a visionary. If John were alive today, having lived through all that went on in the last 42 years, he would probably be the first to call the song title b.s.

    To see Paul and John exchange knowing, approving glances at each other during the performance is the highlight of the clip for me.

    (Reply)
  • Danny Fullager
    June 25, 2009 at 10:57 am

    Hey Jeff
    If we lived in a world where everybody loved one and another ,It would be the most amazing place to live .The word love is a very powerful word and if all in the world were to the take the time and actualy look at the meaning this world would be a better place.We would live in a world of togetherness..Wouldn’t that be just great…Danny

    (Reply)
  • Ryan
    June 25, 2009 at 4:04 pm

    After years of intense confusion, frustration, heartbreak, and downright angst in my pursuit of ‘Love’, I’ve come to the theory that love is the quest which provides the purpose for our journey on this planet. Good luck to us all!! Cheers!

    (Reply)
  • Aurie
    June 25, 2009 at 8:04 pm

    Was John Lennon right? The song was an admission about our quiet desires to feel better about ourselves. In a nice way he told us we can count on being or feeling outdone or even outshined by others. Does that sound crazy? Can you imagine writing songs with Paul McCartney? All You Need Is Love is the answer in a song. Don’t get lost in outdoing others or making sure you cannot be outdone, just get out of the way and love what you got inside of you. If you can do that you might find yourself writing the next great vibe that feels good and gives good like The Beatles song All You Need Is Love.

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  • dawn
    June 26, 2009 at 7:45 am

    Well, i’ll use the old flower/sun analogy here. A plant can get by without much sun but in order for it to blossom it needs the sun. People can get by without love but it becomes a question of quality of life. I think in order to be truly successful in life you need that love and passion, be it for/from a person, work, sport, whatever. Those who lack ‘the sun’ tend to be small and insignificant. They never reach there full potential. Then there’s the whole water thing but i’m late for work……

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  • Jim K
    June 26, 2009 at 2:42 pm

    Hi Jeff

    I’d have to say a qualified no. The Bible states that the love of money is the root of all evil. I guess the object of our affection is clearly as important as love itself.

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  • brigitte
    June 28, 2009 at 8:55 pm

    all i need is love
    all i need is the golden wings of a porcelain white angelic dove to fly me high in the heavens above
    all i need is love
    all i need is the feeling i get when i’m with those who i love to make it through when i live in times of no love
    love is all i need and the air i breath
    love is all i see, oh love has truly set me free
    love, love, love, love
    for love has shaped me to be in gods image and to be beutiful and to be truly free………………………………….

    (Reply)
  • Kara
    June 29, 2009 at 11:24 pm

    I LOVE, The Beatles.
    I LOVE this song.
    This song is AMAZING
    Love is all you need.
    I want to get a tattoo reciting those words :)

    (Reply)

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