About the song
“A World Without Love” stands as a milestone in pop music history, recorded by the British duo Peter and Gordon and released in February 1964. This iconic song marked the debut single for Peter and Gordon, making an indelible mark on both sides of the Atlantic.
Written by none other than Paul McCartney, and attributed to the famed Lennon–McCartney songwriting partnership, “A World Without Love” showcases McCartney’s early genius. He composed the song at the tender age of 16, during a period when he was staying with his girlfriend Jane Asher’s family in London. It was Peter Asher, Jane’s brother and later half of Peter and Gordon, who requested permission to use the song after signing a recording contract with Gordon Waller.
Upon its release, “A World Without Love” ascended swiftly to the top of the charts. In the United Kingdom, it claimed the No. 1 spot on both the Record Retailer and New Musical Express charts, solidifying Peter and Gordon’s status as breakout stars. Across the pond in the United States, the song achieved similar success, topping both the Billboard Hot 100 and the Cash Box Top 100. Its appeal wasn’t limited to these shores alone; it also reached No. 1 on the Irish Singles Chart, No. 1 on New Zealand’s “Lever Hit Parade,” and No. 2 in Australia.
The song’s poignant lyrics and melodic charm resonated deeply with listeners, capturing the essence of youthful longing and heartache. Its success further underscored the versatility of McCartney’s songwriting prowess outside The Beatles’ catalogue. Despite its initial rejection by McCartney for The Beatles, “A World Without Love” became one of the few Lennon–McCartney compositions to top the charts as performed by another artist.
Notably, the song’s recording featured renowned studio guitarist Vic Flick, known for his iconic guitar riff on the James Bond Theme. Its enduring legacy is highlighted by its inclusion in The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s “500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll,” underscoring its cultural impact and lasting influence on the music industry.
Over the years, “A World Without Love” has been covered by various artists, attesting to its timeless appeal and McCartney’s enduring legacy as a songwriter. Its journey from a teenage composition to an international chart-topper remains a testament to the power of melody and emotion in popular music.
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Lyrics
Please lock me away
And don’t allow the day
Here inside where I hide
With my lonelinessI don’t care what they say
I won’t stay in a world without loveBirds sing out of tune
And rain clouds hide the moon
I’m okay, here I’ll stay
With my lonelinessI don’t care what they say
I won’t stay in a world without loveSo I wait and in a while
I will see my true love’s smile
He may come, I know not when
When she does I lose
So baby until thenLock me away
And don’t allow the day
Here inside where I hide
With my lonelinessI don’t care what they say
I won’t stay in a world without loveSo I wait and in a while
I will see my true love’s smile
He may come, I know not when
When she does I know
So baby until thenLock me away
And don’t allow the day
Here inside where I hide
With my lonelinessI don’t care what they say
I won’t stay in a world without loveI don’t care what they say
I won’t stay in a world without love