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The iconic song “It’s a Small World” has been given a poignant new addition, courtesy of Richard Sherman.
Originally created for the 1964-65 New York World’s Fair as part of a UNICEF exhibit, a huge part of the success of “it’s a small world” is its soundtrack – one which soon became the heart of Disney’s beloved attraction celebrating global unity.
Credit: Disney
Written by Robert and Richard Sherman, the catchy and uplifting tune has remained unchanged for decades, playing in every version of the ride (Magic Kingdom, Disneyland Paris, Tokyo Disneyland, and Hong Kong Disneyland) since its 1966 debut in Disneyland Park.
The legacy of the It’s a Small World theme song extends far beyond the Disney parks, cementing its place as a cultural anthem of unity. With over 50 years of continuous play in multiple languages across Disney attractions worldwide, the song is considered one of the most performed and recognized pieces of music in history.
A Big Update for “it’s a small world”
Months before his passing in May 2024, Richard Sherman shared a new verse with The Walt Disney Company CEO Bob Iger, adding another layer of hope and humanity to the timeless melody.
Credit: Disney
The new verse debuted in The Last Verse, a short film directed by Henry Alex Rubin. This touching tribute showcases a child singing the added lyrics over a piano, interspersed with archival images of Sherman with Disney’s beloved Mickey and Minnie Mouse. The 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
Premiering during The Untold Story of Mary Poppins: A Special Edition of 20/20 on ABC, The Last Verse celebrates the global impact of Sherman’s work, which includes Disney classics like Mary Poppins (1964) and The Jungle Book (1967).
Credit: Disney
The film closes with a heartfelt tribute from The Walt Disney Company to Robert (who passed in 2012) and Richard Sherman, the legendary duo whose music shaped generations. Winners of two Oscars and three Grammys, the Shermans – who were immortalized in Saving Mr. Banks (2013) – left an indelible mark with classics like Mary Poppins (1964), The Jungle Book (1967), and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968). The message simply reads, “Thank you for making a big world feel smaller.”
Bob Iger also reflected on the emotional weight of the new verse and the Sherman Brothers’ legacy. “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 stated. “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.”
Disney plans to release the film on Disney+ today (consider it a Thanksgiving gift), ensuring this heartfelt moment reaches audiences worldwide. In the meantime, you can also check it out on YouTube.
What’s your favorite Sherman Brothers song?
