Charley Pride – All His Children

About the song

Few artists in country music history have left as profound a mark as Charley Pride, and “All His Children” stands as a shining example of his ability to blend faith, warmth, and storytelling into a deeply moving song. Released in 1972, this track was prominently featured in the soundtrack of the film “Sometimes a Great Notion”, a Paul Newman-directed drama based on Ken Kesey’s novel of the same name. Unlike many of Pride’s purely country hits, “All His Children” leaned into gospel and inspirational music, reflecting themes of hope, unity, and divine love.

Release and Album Inclusion

“All His Children” was released as a single in December 1971 and was later included in the film’s soundtrack in 1972. The song was written by the legendary Henry Mancini and Alan and Marilyn Bergman, giving it a rich, cinematic quality that elevated it beyond standard country fare. The combination of Pride’s soulful vocals and Mancini’s grand orchestration helped the song resonate with both country and gospel audiences.

Upon its release, “All His Children” became a Top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, peaking at No. 2. It also earned wider recognition due to its inclusion in the Academy Award-nominated score for Sometimes a Great Notion. While Pride was primarily known for his traditional country sound, this song showcased his ability to cross genres and touch audiences with universally meaningful themes.

Meaning and Emotional Depth

At its core, “All His Children” is a song about love, acceptance, and faith in humanity. The lyrics reinforce the idea that, regardless of background, race, or circumstance, everyone is equal in the eyes of God. This was a powerful message at the time, as the early 1970s were a period of great social change in America.

Lines like:

“When you’re standing alone with the mountains and the sea
Where the arms of the world open wide where the truth is free”

…serve as a poetic reminder of both spiritual guidance and the boundless nature of love. Pride’s delivery of the song is gentle yet deeply resonant, capturing both the humility and grandeur of its message.

Impact and Legacy

Though “All His Children” may not be as frequently remembered as some of Pride’s biggest country hits like “Kiss an Angel Good Mornin'” or “Is Anybody Goin’ to San Antone,” it remains an important part of his catalog. The song’s gospel undertones and cinematic arrangement set it apart, demonstrating his versatility as an artist.

Moreover, Charley Pride’s status as one of the first black country music superstars makes this song even more poignant. His presence in the genre helped break racial barriers in country music, and a song like “All His Children”—with its message of unity and divine love—only reinforced his role as a trailblazer.

Even today, the song’s themes of equality, faith, and kindness remain timeless, making “All His Children” a moving reminder of Pride’s enduring legacy.

Video

Lyrics

When you’re standing alone
With the mountains and the sea
Where the arms of the world open wide
Where the truth is as plain as the falling rain
And as sure as the time and the tide

You know we’re all His children
His next of kin, that’s the way it began
No matter where you’re going or where you’ve been
You’re part of the family of men

When you walk down the road
And the sun is on your side
With the sweet river breeze for your face
Where you don’t hear a sound as you look around
Everything sort of falls into place

You know we’re all His children
His next of kin, that’s the way it began
No matter where you’re going or where you’ve been
You’re part of the family of men

You know we’re all His children
His next of kin, that’s the way it began
No matter where you’re going or where you’ve been
You’re part of the family of men