The Most Important Song by The Isley Brothers
The Isley Brothers have recorded so many incredible songs over the past EIGHT DECADES (1959 to present), from “Shout,” “Twist and Shout,” and “This Old Heart of Mine” to “It’s Your Thing,” “Work to Do,” and “That Lady” on to “Fight the Power,” “Hope You Feel Better Love,” and “Who Loves You Better” and beyond. But arguably their most important song — lyrically — is the title track for the 1976 masterpiece Harvest for the World.
Chances are you’ve never heard it. We have included the YouTube video, the Spotify album playlist, and the lyrics. The band took song-writing credits: Christopher H Jasper / Christopher Jasper / Ernie Isley / Marvin Isley / O’kelly Isley / Ronald Isley / Rudolph Isley.
All babies together, everyone a seed
Half of us are satisfied, half of us in need
Love’s bountiful in us, tarnished by our greed
When will there be a harvest for the world
A nation planted, so concerned with gain
As the seasons come and go, greater grows the pain
And far too many feelin’ the strain
When will there be a harvest for the world
Gather everyman, gather everywoman
Celebrate your lives, give thanks for your children
Gather everyone, gather all together
Overlooking none, hopin’ life gets better for the world
Dress me up for battle, when all I want is peace
Those of us who pay the price, come home with the least
Nation after nation, turning into beast
When will there be a harvest for the world
Almost 50 years later, and we are moving backward. DAMN