After 60 Years, “It’s a Small World” Finally Has Some New Lyrics

The timeless tune “it’s a small world,” arguably one of Disney’s catchiest and most enduring songs, has received an update with emotional new lyrics.

Originally debuting at the 1964-65 New York World’s Fair, “it’s a small world” was part of a UNICEF exhibit idealized by Walt Disney himself and sponsored by Pepsi-Cola. Intended as a symbol of global harmony, the ride was later transferred to Disneyland Park at the end of the World’s Fair, with new versions since constructed at Magic Kingdom Park, Disneyland Paris, Tokyo Disneyland, and Hong Kong Disneyland.

Credit: Disney

One common feature in every version of the ride is its theme song. Perhaps one of the most instantly recognizable tunes in the world, “it’s a small world” was penned by the legendary Sherman Brothers – Robert and Richard – with a simple, uplifting message resonating with audiences worldwide.

While the song’s lyrics have remained unchanged for decades, a touching new verse was penned and shared by Richard Sherman in the summer of 2023. Sherman, who passed away in May 2024, apparently revealed the lyrics to The Walt Disney Company CEO Bob Iger prior to his death.

Credit: Disney

Disney Debuts New “it’s a small world” Lyrics

This new verse, which highlights unity and love for the planet, was featured in a new short film, The Last Verse, directed by Henry Alex Rubin. The film showcases the new lyrics sung by a child over a piano, accompanied by images of Sherman with Mickey and Minnie Mouse. The new lyrics read:

Mother Earth unites us in heart and mind
And the love we give makes us humankind
Through our vast wondrous land
When we stand hand-in-hand
It’s a small world after all

The short film premiered during The Untold Story of Mary Poppins: A Special Edition of 20/20 on ABC and was previously shown at the D23 Expo in Anaheim. It is now available on YouTube and will soon be streaming on Disney+.

At the end of the film, there’s an extra tribute to Robert and Richard Sherman, who also served as the songwriting duo for other Disney classics like Mary Poppins (1964) and The Jungle Book (1967), plus Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968). The message reads, “Thank you for making a big world feel smaller.”

Bob Iger also shared his own statement, praising the Sherman Brothers and the new verse. “As the legendary creators of some of the most cherished music of the past century, the Sherman brothers will be remembered for their profound impact on our global culture,” he said. “Hearing Richard Sherman recite the final verse to ‘it’s a small world’ before he died will be a moment I will carry with me forever.”

Which song from the Sherman Brothers is your favorite?