Story Behind The Song

I was in love with my best friend who was a fellow world traveler interested mostly in poor countries and instead of singing to him directly I wrote a song about love for the third world, drawing ties not only of the sense of wanting but also between our perceptions of things and the relaxed, unambitious, unpretenious elements of poorer countries.

Song Description

"I know you see a brighter light in a dimmer view ..." -- this is a beautiful mid-tempo, mostly acoustic ballad with Petra Haden contributing vocals and Gregg Williams on drums and Marcus Watkins on mandolin and guitar, drawing a strange metaphor between unrequited love and compassion with the third world. The song builds with creative, gorgeous male/female backing vocals and odd lyrics, such as "you'd gladly share me with 50 countries". The acoustic piano part is particularly pretty with its unconventional yet still pop progression.

Lyrics

I know you know the right things to say and what to do
I know you see a brighter light in a dimmer view
we're two of a kind and so far removed
I want to go back where there's nothing to prove

I want to sing you a love song for the third world
I want to sing you a love song for the third world

A human being can think that he's worthy of luxury
He can believe that it's not naive to live a fantasy
you'd gladly share me with 50 countries
I never said what being with you meant to me

I want to sing you a love song for the third world
I want to sing you a love song for the third world

Your uncommon way in our broken race is what I need
A world without pretense is what I'll try to find again

I want to sing you a love song for the third world
I want to sing you a love song for the third world
I want to sing you a love song for the third world
I want to sing you a love song for the third world