New Vince Lewis Guitar Arrangement, “If I Ruled The World”

ByVince Lewis July 7, 2026July 7, 2026

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Jazz guitarist Vince Lewis continues his JGT Arrangement Series with “If I Ruled The World”

“If I Ruled The World” was written by Cyril Ornadel with lyrics by Leslie Bricusse for the Broadway Musical Pickwick in 1963. Tony Bennett originally recorded the tune in 1965, and it immediately became one of his biggest hits. In the context of the musical, a candidate for public office is asked for his stance on the biggest issues of the day, and the lyrics describe his vision for the future.

This arrangement is taken from my Album “Charlotte Swing…The Gift” and is one of my favorite ballads of all time.

“If I Ruled The World”

Written by Cyril Ornadel with lyrics by Leslie Bricusse

Guitar Arrangement by Vince Lewis

Vince Lewis Arrangement For Educational Purposes

Download PDF of arrangement (coming soon)

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Vince Lewis

Vince Lewis is a veteran jazz performer, composer and recording artist. He has been a headliner on Jazz Festivals with Dave Brubeck, B.B King, Ellis Marsalis, Lou Rawls, Mundell Lowe, John Pizzarelli and Melissa Manchester. Vince has been a featured performer in concert at The Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. as well as two performances at the Smithsonian Institute Jazz Bar. He has taught at the post-secondary level for 48 years, conducted Jazz Guitar workshops, and created courses in improvisation and other jazz-related subjects at the university level. His chord melody arrangements for solo guitar appeared in Just Jazz Guitar Magazine. Vince currently serves as an Adjunct Professor of Music and Guitar at Bluefield College in Bluefield, VA.