Turn the World Around

The Bird Sings Oral Tradition Song Library

Turn the World Around

This Harry Belafonte hit is a joy to sing. It’s arranged here mostly in unison or two voice parts with Larry Farrow’s piano arrangement.

Composer & Copyright

Original song by Harry Belafonte. This arrangement is based upon arrangements by Larry Farrow & Maggie Wheeler.

Recording

Recording by Steven Yoo on piano, Lisa G. Littlebird on vocals.

 

Lyrics

We come from the fire, living in the fire, go back to the fire
Turn the world around
(x3)

We come from the water, living in the water, go back to the water
Turn the world around
(x2)

We come from the mountain, living on the mountain, go back to the mountain, turn the world around
(x3)

Oh—- so is life, Ah—- so is life (x2)

Do you know who I am? Do I know who you are?
See we one another clearly, Do we know who we are?
(x3)

Oh—- so is life, a-ba-ti-wah Ah– ha! so is life (x2)

Water make the river, river wash the mountain, fire make the sunlight, turn the world around

Heart is of the river, body is the mountain, spirit is the sunlight, turn the world around

We are of the spirit, truly of the spirit, only can the spirit turn the world around
(x3)

Do you know who I am? Do I know who you are?
See we one another clearly, Do we know who we are?
(x3)

Oh—- so is life, a-ba-ti-wah Ah– ha! so is life (x3)    So is life!

Teaching Notes

This song has several sections of lyrics and elements but the parts are easy and catchy to learn.

The recording is in B flat.

7

Level of teaching speed/ difficulty (1 = very easy, 10 = very challenging)

 

1 Comment
  • alison miller

    this song feels like eternal saturday on maui. <3

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