[-V-]

A 1971 movie of the same name featured this hit. Synopsis:
A group of social misfits band together and run away from summer camp. Along the way, they take up a crusade to save penned in buffaloes from a rifle club's slaughter.

I believe the title is a quote from the Bible.

The song echoes my sentiments that like human children, animals are innocents that need to be protected and nurtured by us rather than exploited.

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Bless the beasts and the children
For in this world they have no voice
They have no choice

Bless the beasts and the children
For the world can never be
The world they see

Light their way
When the darkness surrounds them
Give them love
Let it shine all around them

Bless the beasts and the children
Give them shelter from a storm
Keep them safe
Keep them warm

Light their way
When the darkness surrounds them
Give them love
Let it shine all around them

Bless the beasts and the children
Give them shelter from a storm
Keep them safe
Keep them warm