What The World Can’t Give Me featured in the live set of the Mike Peters and the Poets of Justice gigs during 1992 and was recorded at the Abbey Road Session 7th September 1992, however it did not make it to the release of Breathe. The Abbey Road Sessions released in March 1997 is the only studio version that has been released

There has to be musically challenging pieces; not just for the band but for the listener. I wanted to make a record where there is always something to discover with every play. I feel this song will become a real grower. I wanted to avoid the obvious, the ‘rock ballad’ that was latent in the song’s initial structure. I wanted to give this song a depth and a substructure to which the listener can keep coming back to. A musical form, to go hand in hand with the tone of the lyric, and so, by using instrumentation not normally used in rock ‘n roll, (like the classical guitar), I hope to have achieved the right effect. There is no simple way to fulfill the need of the song’s lyric and in that same way, the musical arrangement must also remain elusive – Mike Peters – 21st Century Fanzine #2

Abbey Road 1992 recording details
Running length 5:06
Written by Mike Peters

Musicians & Credits
Mike Peters – Voice, Acoustic Guitar
Ethan Johns – Electric Guitar
Jules Jones Peters – Piano, Hammond Organ & Backing Vocals
David Watkins-Clarke – Bass Guitar & Backing Vocals
Martyn Barker – Drums
Steve Bell – Percussion

Produced by Michael Peters
Engineered by Mike Jaratt
Assistant Engineering by Darren Godwin
Mixed by Andy Taylor.
Recorded at Abbey Road Studios, London NW8, England 7.9.1992 – Afternoon session

Album appearances and discography for studio recordings

All the following are Worldwide releases except where stated
(All Images right click to open larger in new window)

(v) 1997 : Mike Peters and The Poets Of Justice – Abbey Road Sessions recorded Live 7.9.1992
Released on CD by Twenty First Century Recording Company, catalogue number 21C003
1992 Abbey Road Non audience session recording

Officially released live recordings – Audio

Lyrics

I want to believe in the heavens above me
I want to have faith in all I see
To put my trust in God and man, oh lord
To know that there is more to life

I want what the world can’t give me tonight
I want what I can never find
I want what the world can’t give me tonight
I want what a life time cannot satisfy
Satisfy

I want to see what cannot be revealed
I want to understand my dreams
To know that there will be an answer, oh lord
To know that the day will follow night

I want what the world can’t give me tonight
I want what I can never find
I want what the world can’t give me tonight
I want what a life time cannot satisfy
Satisfy

I want to believe all the fighting is over
I want to have faith in a lasting peace
To know that all will be forgiven, oh lord
To know in love we never die

I want what the world can’t give me tonight
I want what I can never find
I want what the world can’t give me tonight
I want what a life time cannot satisfy
Satisfy

I want what the world can’t give me tonight
I want what the world can’t give me tonight

Audio & Visual Sources

Page updated 02/04/2023)