The Making Of ‘I’d Like To Buy The World A Coke’

Commercial Text and Song Lyrics

1. The Commercial

On a hilltop in Italy
We assembled young people
From all over the world
To bring you this message
From Coca-Cola bottlers
All over the world
It’s the real thing – Coke.

AND THEY SANG:

I’d like to buy the world a home
And furnish it with love
Grow apple trees and honey bees
And snow white turtle doves

(Chorus)
I’d like to teach the world to sing
In perfect harmony
I’d like to buy the world a Coke
And keep it company
That’s the real thing

(Repeat Chorus)

(Chorus 2)
What the world wants today
Is the real thing

(Repeat Chorus 2)

2. The Pop Song Version:  I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing (In Perfect Harmony) 

I’d like to build the world a home
And furnish it with love
Grow apple trees and honey bees
And snow white turtle doves

I’d like to teach the world to sing
In perfect harmony
I’d like to hold it in my arms
And keep it company

I’d like to see the world for once
All standing hand in hand
And hear them echo through the hills
For peace throughout the land

(4th Verse included in Hillside Singers Version)

Put your hand in my hand
Let’s begin today
Put your hand in my hand
Help me find the way

(Repeat 2nd verse)

(SOURCE: Coca-Cola Company, Chicago Tribune)