Introduction:
Released in 1967, “There’s A Kind of Hush All Over the World”, by the British pop band Herman’s Hermits, captured the hearts of listeners with its melancholic melody and lyrics that conveyed a longing for peace and quiet. The song, a product of the songwriting duo Les Reed and Geoff Stephens, became a signature tune for Herman’s Hermits, a band known for its energetic pop hits like “I’m Into Something Good” and “Mrs. Brown You’ve Got a Lovely Daughter.”
Herman’s Hermits, formed in Manchester in 1964, consisted of vocalist Peter Noone, bassist Karl Green, guitarist Keith Hopwood, keyboardist Derek Leckenby, and drummer Barry Whittam. The band was initially known for their cover songs, but with “There’s A Kind of Hush”, they achieved success with an original composition. The song was produced by Mickie Most, a prominent figure in British pop music who had also produced several of Herman’s Hermits’ earlier hits.
“There’s A Kind of Hush” stands out from Herman’s Hermits’ usual repertoire for its more introspective tone. The song’s gentle melody, featuring prominent piano and strings, creates a calming atmosphere. The lyrics paint a picture of a world hushed and tranquil, a stark contrast to the social and political turmoil that characterized the 1960s. The Vietnam War was raging, the fight for civil rights was ongoing, and the Cold War cast a long shadow. In this context, the song’s yearning for quiet resonated with listeners seeking a respite from the world’s chaos.
“There’s A Kind of Hush” achieved significant commercial success. While it did not top the charts in the United Kingdom, peaking at No. 7, it became a No. 1 hit in the United States and Canada. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its ability to evoke a timeless feeling of tranquility and intimacy. Even today, “There’s A Kind of Hush” continues to be played on the radio and features in movies and television shows, maintaining its place as a beloved classic of the pop music era.
Video:
Lyrics:
There’s a kind of hush all over the world tonightAll over the world, you can hear the sounds of lovers in loveYou know what I meanJust the two of us and nobody else in sightThere’s nobody else and I’m feelin’ good just holdin’ you tight
So listen very carefullyCloser now and you will see what I meanIt isn’t a dreamThe only sound that you will hearIs when I whisper in your earI love you forever and ever
There’s a kind of hush all over the world tonightAll over the world people just like us are fallin’ in loveLa la-la la-la la-laLa-la la-la la-la la-laLa-la-la-la-la la-la la-la-laLa la-la la-la
So listen very carefullyCloser now and you will see what I meanIt isn’t a dreamThe only sound that you will hearIs when I whisper in your earI love you forever and ever
There’s a kind of hush all over the world tonightAll over the world, people just like us are fallin’ in loveYeah, they’re fallin’ in love(Hush) They’re fallin’ in loveHush