The Meaning Behind The Song: What Makes The World Go ‘Round by Kiss
Kiss, the legendary rock band, has thrilled audiences worldwide with their electrifying music performances, signature costumes, and stage theatrics. Their song, “What Makes the World Go ‘Round,” is one of their iconic tunes that fans can’t get enough of. While the title of the track suggests a broad spectrum of things, the song’s context is more profound than it appears. In this article, we’ll explore the song’s meaning behind the lyrics, its artistic composition, and how it impacted the band’s popularity.
The Meaning Behind The Lyrics
“What Makes the World Go ‘Round” was released on Kiss’s 1979 album “Dynasty” with Ace Frehley as the songwriter. The song’s lyrics depict a world filled with chaos, pain, and inequality, where people’s struggles and challenges are universal. However, hidden beneath the surface is a call to action, imploring humanity to find hope and love in the midst of the turmoil. The opening verse sets an unsteady foundation as it paints the picture of a world lost in the abyss.
The song’s lyrics, “You take a lightning bolt, you’re a superstar,” implies that people see stars for their achievements and material possessions. The song also highlights society’s fixation on fame and its impact on one’s sense of self and value. The track’s chorus, “What makes the world go ’round. Nothing but love makes the world go ’round,” stresses the idea that love is the only genuine force capable of connecting and ground people in their community.
The Artistic Composition
“What Makes the World Go ‘Round” showcases the band’s musicality by combining rock, disco, and soul elements. The song opens with a catchy drumbeat, followed by a captivating guitar solo that transitions perfectly into the bass groove. The song features layered backup vocals and stimulating lead vocals that reinforce the track’s emotional themes. The use of the strings instrumentation in the song’s hook section reflects the song’s overall upbeat feel.
The Song’s Impact on Band Popularity
“What Makes the World Go ‘Round” was a commercial success, ranking at number 89 on the US Billboard Hot 100 charts. The track also marked a new direction for the band in terms of musical diversity and opened them up to new audiences. The headliner, Gene Simmons, who co-wrote and performed the track, stated “We play our song to showcase our talents, to show our fans what we can do,” demonstrating the band’s commitment to their craft and audience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What inspired KISS to write “What Makes the World Go ‘Round”?
According to the band’s lead singer Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley wrote the song and credits their ability to channel their frustration with the world’s problems as their inspiration.
What is the song’s message?
The message of the song is to emphasize love as the greatest force that can connect people around the world and ground them in their community.
What musical styles are blended in “What Makes the World Go ‘Round”?
The song blends rock, disco, and soul elements.
What impact did “What makes the world go ’round” have on KISS?
The song marked a new direction for the band in terms of musical diversity and opened them up to new audiences.
What is the song’s overall feel?
The song’s overall feel is upbeat, reflecting the band’s positivity and optimistic outlook despite the chaotic world.
What was the critical response to “What Makes the World Go ‘Round” when it was released?
The critical response was positive, focusing on the song’s energetic novelty and diverse composition.
What memorable moment can people associate with the song?
People associate “What Makes the World Go ‘Round” with KISS’s live performances, particularly the band’s dramatic stage presence, and dynamic live performances.
Who wrote and performed the song?
The song was co-written and performed by Gene Simmons and Ace Frehley.
What is the importance of “What Makes the World Go ‘Round” in KISS’s discography?
The song was an essential part of KISS’s transition into more diverse musical territory, showcasing their musicality while staying true to their fan base.
What does the song say about modern society?
The song presents a bleak view of modern society, where people are driven by material possessions but highlights the importance of finding love as a solution to the world’s problems.
Why is “What Makes the World Go ‘Round” still popular today?
The song’s popularity is driven by the timeless message of love as the ultimate force that connects people, making it a universally relatable experience.
What was the competition when “What Makes the World Go ‘Round” was released?
“When Makes the World Go ‘Round” faced stiff competition from other popular disco-rock tracks at the time, such as “Le Freak” by Chic. However, the song still managed to resonate with listeners and become a commercial success.
What are the notable lyrics from “What Makes the World Go ‘Round”?
Notable lyrics include “You take a lightning bolt, you’re a superstar” and “What makes the world go ’round. Nothing but love makes the world go ’round,” that exemplify the song’s themes of materialism versus love.
Conclusion
“What Makes the World Go ‘Round” is a timeless track that highlights KISS’s musical artistry and expansive vision for rock and roll. The song’s message of love’s power to connect people despite their differences resonates with listeners to this day, making it an enduring classic. Understanding the meaning behind the lyrics and the song’s artistic composition can help KISS fans appreciate the track further and understand its impact on their artistic legacy.
