This first-day issue cover has been hand-signed by legendary songwriting duo, Richard and Robert Sherman. It was released by the Postal Administration of the United Nations (Geneva, Switzerland) on May 4, 1979, to commemorate the International Year of the Child.

The Sherman Brothers are of course famous for (among other things) penning the iconic theme song, “It’s a Small World,” for the attraction of the same name that debuted at the 1964-65 New York World’s Fair. The message of the song—peace and unity among the children of the world, so as to bring about a better future for humanity—was directly inspired by the mission and legacy of the attraction’s co-sponsor UNICEF (United Children’s Education Fund). The pair wrote the song under the direction of Walt Disney, who first envisioned the attraction. After the fair, the “Happiest Cruise That Ever Sailed” was re-located to Disneyland and eventually built in Disney parks around the world. “It’s a Small World” is the only song ever written for the company, the rights of which Disney does not own, as the Sherman Brothers, in the spirit of the song and attraction’s theme, presented the composition as a “gift to the children of the world.” Fittingly, the track eventually went on to become the most performed and widely-translated song in history.

“It’s a Small World”

 

It’s a world of laughter, a world of tears
It’s a world of hopes and a world of fears
There’s so much that we share
That it’s time we’re aware
It’s a small world after all

 

It’s a small world after all
It’s a small world after all
It’s a small world after all
It’s a small, small world

 

There is just one moon and one golden sun
And a smile means friendship to everyone
Though the mountains divide
And the oceans are wide
It’s a small world after all

 

It’s a small world after all
It’s a small world after all
It’s a small world after all
It’s a small, small world

The first-day cover features official artwork of the International Year of the Child by Swiss artist Hans Erni, along with two postmarks from the Postal Administration of the United Nations, which include both the artwork and date of release: May 4, 1979. The postage stamp, with a price of 1,10 Swiss francs, features a multi-ethnic line of children with linked arms standing under a rainbow. The child on the end holds an olive branch to reinforce the message of harmony and understanding promulgated by the year-long proclamation by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. Brothers Robert B. Sherman and Richard M. Sherman have both signed the cover in blue ink.

This signed first-day cover is a tribute not only to the Shermans and what is arguably their most famous composition, but also the worthwhile message which first inspired its creation and which it continues to carry forth to the nations of this small, small world.