Who Wrote The Coca-Cola Jingle In ‘Mad Men’ Finale? McCann Erikson’s Bill Backer Isn’t Upset At Don Draper

Mad Men‘s series finale ended with Don Draper (Jon Hamm) sitting cross-legged during an outdoor meditation session with his eyes closed when a grin stretches out across his face, as an idea for a perfect ad comes to his mind – “I’d Like to Buy the World a Coke.”

‘Mad Men’ Finale Coke Ad

Don’s “aha” moment was followed by the 1971 TV spot with the folksy jingle sung by a multi-cultural cast of young people. In real life, of course, “I’d Like to Buy the World a Coke” was not the brainchild of Don Draper – but actual McCann Erickson employee Bill Backer.

According to Coke legend, Backer came up with the concept when a flight of his was forced to set down in Ireland due to a heavy fog. While waiting out the delay at the airport in Shannon, he witnessed a gaggle of the flight’s passengers getting acquainted over Cokes.

“I began to see the familiar words, ‘Let’s have a Coke,’ as more than an invitation to pause for refreshment,” Backer told Billboard magazine. “They were actually a subtle way of saying, ‘Let’s keep each other company for a little while.'”

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With the help of songwriters Billy Davis, Roger Cook and Roger Greenaway, Backer created the infectious jingle. The Coca-Cola account supervisor at McCann Erickson at the time was duly impressed, and the “I’d Like to Buy the World a Coke” ad went into production with folk group The Hillside Singers on the vocals.

“I think it’s the best ad ever made,” Mad Men creator Matthew Weiner told The New York Times, explaining why he chose it to close out the series. “That ad is so much of its time, so beautiful — I don’t think it’s as villainous as the snark of today thinks it is.”

“I’d Like to Buy the World a Coke” Lyrics

I’d like to buy the world a home
And furnish it with love
Grow apple trees and honey bees
And snow white turtle doves

I’d like to teach the world to sing
In perfect harmony
I’d like to buy the world a Coke
And keep it company
That’s the real thing

What the world wants today
Is the real thing