Fill the World with Love, from Goodbye, Mr. Chips
In the 1969 film Goodbye, Mr. Chips, a shy British schoolmaster at an upper-crust all-boys school spends his entire career hoping to instill in the students an awareness of the ultimate lessons of life. The song “Fill the World with Love,” with music and lyrics by Leslie Bricusse, is introduced in the movie as the official school song, but it returns as an anthem of the students’ (and their headmaster’s) efforts to become wholly good. In that sense, “Fill the World with Love” complements beautifully a Christmas celebration focusing on goodness, light, and the gifts of service we render to each other. The film score, adapted by John Williams, was nominated for both Oscar and Golden Globe awards.
Music and Text: Leslie Bricusse
Arrangement: Mack Wilberg
