The World Turns All Around Her
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| "The World Turns All Around Her" | |
|---|---|
| Song by the Byrds | |
| from the album Turn! Turn! Turn! | |
| Released | December 6, 1965 |
| Recorded | August 28, 1965 |
| Studio | Columbia, Hollywood, California |
| Genre | Folk rock |
| Length | 2:13 |
| Label | Columbia |
| Songwriter | Gene Clark |
| Producer | Terry Melcher |
"The World Turns All Around Her" is a song written by Gene Clark that was first recorded by the Byrds for their second album Turn! Turn! Turn! (1965).
"The World Turns All Around Her" is one of several songs written by Clark with lyrics about broken love and the pain of teenage romance.[1][2] The song has been described as being about "the unrealized potential of womanhood."[3] According to music critic Johnny Rogan, the theme of the song is "understanding through loss."[2] The singer has lost his girlfriend, but doesn't feel jealous or resentful. Rather than expressing the cliche of asking her new boyfriend to care for his ex-girlfriend, he instead asks that he help her realize her potential. The song ends with the singer suggesting that the new boyfriend may eventually recognize that he too must set her free in order for her to become all that she can be.[3]
Despite the sad and philosophical content, the music is set to a rock beat.[2] Byrds biographer Christopher Hjort described the tune as one of Clark's "catchiest."[4] Rolling Stone Album Guide contributor Rob Sheffield described the music as being "morosely uptempo."[5] Rogan feels that applying this music to "a plaintive love song" reinforces the impact of the lyrics. Clark was reportedly pleased with the effect, stating "I liked the song very much. I thought the fast, electric treatment worked out OK."[2]
Something Else! contributor Beverly Paterson described the music as having "sparkling sheen and needle-sharp hooks."[6] Rogan praised the vocal harmonies but felt that the instrument playing was a little too loose.[2]
Recording
"The World Turns All Around Her" was recorded on August 28, 1965, at Columbia Recording Studio A in Hollywood, California.[4] The Byrds also recorded "She Don't Care About Time" at that session.[4]
