"Scatman's World" is a song by American singer Scatman John, released in June 1995 as the second single from his album of the same name (1995). Co-written by John, the song was the follow-up to the international hit "Scatman (Ski Ba Bop Ba Dop Bop)" and reached number-one in Belgium (in both Flanders and Wallonia), Finland, France, Germany, Hungary and Spain. On the Eurochart Hot 100, it became John's second number-one hit in August 1995. Its music video was directed by Zowie Broach.

Chart performance

"Scatman's World" peaked at number one in Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary and Spain, as well as on the Eurochart Hot 100. It entered the top 10 in Austria (4), Denmark (3), Iceland (9), Ireland (7), Italy (2), the Netherlands (3), Norway (4), Sweden (10), Switzerland (3) and the UK. In the latter, the single peaked at number 10 in its second week at the UK Singles Chart, on September 3, 1995. Outside Europe, it charted on the RPM Dance/Urban chart in Canada, peaking at number 21. In Australia, it reached number 84. The single earned a gold record in Belgium (25,000), France (250,000) and Switzerland (25,000). In Germany, it was awarded with a platinum record after 500,000 units were sold.

Critical reception

In his weekly UK chart commentary for Dotmusic, James Masterton said, "Now he is back with the followup in pretty much the same vein. Without the novelty value of the first hit it will be interesting to see if this manages to top the Number 3 peak of its predecessor." James Hyman from Music Week's RM Dance Update wrote, "Currently number one in Germany and hitting hard across the rest of Europe, more novelty Euro from a 53-year-old former jazz singer and pianist. Semi-social scat-raps reside over a backing track not too dissimilar from his previous 'Scatman' single as well as Village People's 'Go West'."

Music video

The accompanying music video for "Scatman's World" was directed by Zowie Broach. It begins with a news reporter standing "outside the world of Scatman" and declaring how people appear happy upon leaving such an establishment. He turns to a young boy and asks why he is visiting, only for the boy to declare that he is bored and that there is nothing to do; confusing him. The footage cuts to the young boy suddenly submerged in water as he sees Scatman John, who stands in front of many backgrounds in different locations (through chroma key), as he sings about the problems of the world, and invites the viewer to escape into his utopian fantasy world called Scatland. There are locations in London including Liverpool Street station, London Bridge and Oxford Circus. The song satirises the divide in the modern world between cultures and races while expressing hope that there will be a place they can live in harmony.

Track listings

Charts

Weekly charts

Year-end charts

Certifications

Release history