Let There Be Peace on Earth: Grassroot Movement?

The song "Let There Be Peace on Earth" has been sung around the world since 1955. It was written by a husband and wife song-writer team about their dream of world peace and their belief that each and every one of us could help create it.

The song is popular in churches, schools,  and numerous other community groups. What makes this song very interesting, apart from the inspiring lyrics, is that it was not "officially published" but spread by word of mouth throughout the world. It has been sung by numerous professional singers such as Nat King Cole, Johnny Mathis, Mary Tyler Moore, Gladys Knight, Mahalia Jackson, and many many more.

Let It Begin With Me!

Let There Be Peace on Earth, and Let It Begin with Me

"Let there be peace on earth
And let it begin with me
Let there be peace on earth
The peace that was meant to be..."

It is definitely a song that "sticks to you" once you've heard it. I find myself singing it when I need to reconnect with inner peace (as when I'm upset with someone and want to lash out at them). It is a great source of comfort and raises your vibration immediately.

The song comes with its own wonderful story:

“One summer evening in 1955, a group of 180 teenagers of all races and religions, meeting at a workshop high in the California mountains locked arms, formed a circle and sang a song of peace. They felt that singing the song, with its simple basic sentiment – 'Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me,' helped to create a climate for world peace and understanding.

"When they came down from the mountain, these inspired young people brought the song with them and started sharing it. And, as though on wings, 'Let There Be Peace on Earth' began an amazing journey around the globe. It traveled first, of course, with the young campers back to their homes and schools, churches and clubs. Soon the circle started by the teenagers began to grow. Before long the song was being shared in all fifty states – at school graduations and at PTA meetings, at Christmas and Easter gatherings and as part of the celebration of Brotherhood Week.

"The song spread overseas to Holland, England, Italy, France, Germany, Lebanon, Japan, India;  to South America, Central America, Africa, Asia and Australia. The Maoris in New Zealand sang it. The Zulus in Africa sang it.”

To read a more complete history of the song, go to: http://www.jan-leemusic.com/Site/History.html

Listen to a rendition of the song with the lyrics provided on the screen, so you can sing along: {youtube}Kh0fCikN8VE{/youtube}

About the Author

About The Author

Marie T. Russell is the founder of InnerSelf Magazine (founded 1985). She also produced and hosted a weekly South Florida radio broadcast, Inner Power, from 1992-1995 which focused on themes such as self-esteem, personal growth, and well-being. Her articles focus on transformation and reconnecting with our own inner source of joy and creativity.

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