We Are the World was recorded in 1985 by USA for Africa, a supergroup of American artists brought together to raise money for famine relief in Ethiopia. Written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie and produced by Quincy Jones, the song became one of the best-selling singles of all time and won multiple Grammy Awards. Its chorus, sung by dozens of famous voices in turn, became instantly recognisable around the world. Online, the short clip is now reused in charity edits, reunions and hopeful montages, where the familiar melody signals unity without needing any explanation.