Thomas wrote the song after recently moving to Miami, Florida, and hearing Walter Cronkite on the radio reporting on the number of deaths in the Vietnam War.

“No more wars, we want peace in this world, and no matter what color, you’re still my brother.” And then after that, put it on this little tape, and went to WEBF, which was a local radio station.

[1]The song is notable for being recorded in mono; its sparse, stripped-down production, features a Lowrey organ, bossa nova-style percussion from an early rhythm machine, and Thomas's passionate, soulful vocal.

The single version got more airplay because the longer instrumental coda was considered by many radio stations to be closer to jazz.

The Timmy Thomas version begins its verses in F Minor, ending in C Major, with the High C note being repeated during the instrumental interlude, without the Organ chords being played.