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Should it be "you and I" or "you and me" in the song "We are the world"

English Language & Usage Asked on August 20, 2020

In the song "We are the world" by Michael Jackson and Lionel Ritchie, there are these lyrics:

"We are the world,

We are the children

We are the ones who make a brighter day

So, let’s start giving

There’s a choice we’re making

We’re saving our own lives

It’s true we’ll make a better day

Just you and me"

Should the last line be "you and I"? Because the meaning is "you and I will make a better day".

Actually Michael Jackson asked this same question in the recording session, and someone (likely Quincy Jones) told him to sing "you and me". Is there any principal reason for this choice of words?

3 Answers

Grammatically speaking, you and I is correct, but clearly the wording was changed to make the song sound better. Try imagining the song with the word I instead of me and you'll get what I mean.

Correct answer by Harry Weasley on August 20, 2020

imagine there being no "you and". it will be awkward to say "just I", but not to say "just me", so it should be "just me

Answered by anonymous on August 20, 2020

You and I is not only grammatically correct but also works better as a rhyme with the preceding line: “we’re saving our own lives.”

Answered by Stephen on August 20, 2020

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