Mean Old World

Arranged by Sam Cooke

Information    He wrote this song while he was still a member of the Soul Stirrers and they recorded the song which can be found on more Soul Stirrers albums. He re-arranged it for his 'Night Beat' album.

Recording Date    February 23, 1963

Studio    RCA Victor's Studios in Hollywood, California

Producers    Hugo Peretta and Luigi Creatore

Recording Engineer    Dave Hassinger

Musicians   

• Hal Blaine
• Edward J. Hall (drums)
• Rene Hall (conductor/arranger)
• Clifton White (guitar)
• Cliford Hills (bass)
• Billy Preston (organ)

MP3 at Amazon.com

Albums   

• The Man Who Invented Soul (Box)
• Night Beat

With the Soul Stirrers

Recorded April 10, 1957

Soul Stirrers  

• S. Roy Crain
• Paul Foster
• R.B. Robinson
• Jesse J. Farley
• T.L Bruster
• Sam Cook

Recorded April 10 or 19, 1957 at Universal Recording Studios, Chicago, probably by SR Crain

Musicians:   

• Evelyn Gay: Piano
• Willie Webb: Organ
• L.C. Cook: Drums

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Albums

• Complete Recordings of Sam Cooke with the Soul Stirrers (2 takes) 
• The Last Mile Of the Way (take 3, alternate version)
• Sam Cooke With The Soul Stirrers
• That's Heaven To Me (heavier instrumentation)
• Brothers Of Soul - Early Years Collection

Lyrics

This is a mean old world, to live in
all by yourself, all by yourself
oh yes it is
This is a mean old world, to live in, all by yourself
This is a mean old world to be alone
Without someone to call your own
This is a mean old world, to try and live, all by yourself

I wish I had someone, someone who'd love me true 2x
If I had someone who loved me true
Then I know I wouldn't be so blue
This is a mean old world to try and live in, all by yourself
No, this is a mean old world to live in, all by yourself

Sometimes I find myself dreamin I found a love 2x
Sometimes I dream I really found a love
someone who loved me true as the stars above
For this is a mean old world to try and live in, all by yourself