Sometimes, song lyrics can make you think about something that you have never experienced. When I heard the first few lines of this song back in 1977, I found myself in total agreement with the sentiments expressed. But I had no children. I still don’t have any, but I still believe the song says it all.
Written by Linda Creed and Michael Massa, it is probably best known as a huge hit for Whitney Huston, in 1985. She undeniably nailed the song, with her famous power-ballad voice.
But ‘my’ version will always be the George Benson original, which sounds as good today as it did to me when I was 25 years old.
It was intended for the soundtrack of the Muhammad Ali biopic, ‘The Greatest’, and included in that film in 1976. George later went on to release it as a record, and had a substantial worldwide hit. His voice suits the song perfectly, and gets right to the heart of the meaningful lyrics.
Here are those lyrics. Words that made me think seriously about having children at the time.
Read them as poetry, they are that good.
The Greatest Love Of All.
I believe that children are our future;
Teach them well and let them lead the way.
Show them all the beauty they possess inside.
Give them a sense of pride, to make it easier;
Let the children’s laughter remind us how we use to be.
Everybody’s searching for a hero;
People need someone to look up to.
I never found anyone who fulfilled my need.
A lonely place to be, and so I learned to depend on me.
I decided long ago never to walk in anyone’s shadow.
If I fail, if I succeed.
At least I lived as I believe.
No matter what they take from me,
They can’t take away my dignity.
Because the greatest love of all is happening to me.
I found the greatest love of all inside of me.
The greatest love of all is easy to achieve.
Learning to love yourself is the greatest love of all.
I believe that children are our future;
Teach them well and let them lead the way.
Show them all the beauty they possess inside.
Give them a sense of pride, to make it easier;
Let the children’s laughter remind us how we use to be.
I decided long ago never to walk in anyone’s shadow.
If I fail, if I succeed, at least I lived as I believe.
No matter what they take from me,
They can’t take away my dignity.
Because the greatest love of all is happening to me.
I found the greatest love of all inside of me.
The greatest love of all is easy to achieve.
Learning to love yourself is the greatest love of all.
And if by chance that special place that you’ve been dreaming of
Lead you to a lonely place
Find your strength in love
And in case you have never heard that original, here is George singing them.
Fantastic lyrics. Thank you for sharing, Pete! New to me, but wonderful to keep in mind, too. Best wishes, Michael
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It was a long time ago, but still feels fresh to me.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Perfect lyrics!!
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I guessed you would like them. Especially the opening two lines. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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Oh, yes! And the rest that follows is pretty terrific, too. Best to you, Pete.
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Love the lyrics! Great post, Pete.❤🎶
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Glad you enjoyed them honey. 🙂 x
Best wishes, Pete. xx
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😍❤😘
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I think Benson’s version lets more of the meaning come through with less of the vocal acrobatics in Houston’s. Thanks for letting us hear it.
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Thanks for you thoughts, Elizabeth.
I am in complete agreement.
Best wishes, Pete.
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I guess I’ll have to stick with Whitney Houston’s version. That’s the one I remember so very well hearing often on the radio. Having said that, George Benson’s version is certainly very accomplished.
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Thanks, David. For nostalgia reasons, I still prefer George. But Whitney was a tremendously talented singer.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Yes George is the man alright. His rendition is the best.
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Thanks, Tony. Glad to hear you agree. 🙂
Cheers, Pete.
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A terrific song and I agree that George Benson gives a flawless rendition..he was such a great performer!
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He is still performing, John. But I haven’t heard anything from him in years.
Best wishes, Pete.
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I am going to ask “Alexa” today to play a mix of his music and get in the groove! Thats what I love about the device: it will play an hour ormolu of a single Artist’s greatest hits!
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Great song…Benson was a great jazz guitarist….chuq
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He was indeed, chuq. I had a few of his albums on vinyl back then.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Such a great song!
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I have always loved it, Lauren. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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Indeed, I have children. the song says it well! Warmest regards, Theo
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It has stuck in my mind for 43 years. That shows just how powerful it is. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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What a wonderful choice Pete! I’ve always loved the lyrics to this song, but until now I had only heard the Houston version. Thank you for sharing this,
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Most younger people don’t realise Whitney’s version is a cover, Kim.
I think George deserves more credit than he gets. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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I love this song, Pete. The lyrics certainly are evocative. (I enjoy seeing your poetic side, too.)
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Thanks, Maggie. I have always enjoyed the occasional ‘ideal’ combination of words and music. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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Lovely, Pete. A great song.
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Thanks, Mary. When a great voice comes together with meaningful words, magic happens.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Such a wonderful song. Love George Benson. Thanks for sharing.
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Thanks, Darlene. I played his first album until I almost wore it out. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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It is a very evocative song, but I share your preference for George Benson’s version; although Eddie Murphy did a very funny version in one of his films [could have been one of the Beverly Hills Cop serious, but not sure about that]. Cheers, Jon.
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*series* – not serious! :p
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Thanks, Jon. I haven’t seen that Eddie Murphy version, and I think I will stick with George. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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Beautiful song and I love both versions.
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Whitney was an amazing singer, but I always liked George’s lighter touch.
Best wishes, Pete.
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This song has actually been a favorite of mine.
Whitney really said it all.
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Thanks for commenting. Whitney certainly ‘belted it out’, but I like George’s softer version best.
Best wishes, Pete.
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