What a Wonderful World — Louis Armstrong Lyrics

About "What a Wonderful World"

"What a Wonderful World" is a song, performed by Louis Armstrong. First issued as a single in 1967, it was written by Bob Thiele—under the pseudonym George Douglas—and George David Weiss. The song combines Armstrong's signature vocal jazz with a sense of pleasure in the face of trouble. Originally written to counter the increasingly turbulent social and political climate in the U.S. during the Vietnam War era, this song celebrates the simple and joyful things in life: trees, the sky, friends, and love. The smooth voice of Armstrong fills out the track with coziness and sincerity. Later, the song was re-released in 1988 after its appearance in the film *Good Morning, Vietnam*.

• Producer: Bob Thiele


• Writers: Bob Thiele & George David Weiss


• Album: What a Wonderful World (1967)


• Release Date: September 1, 1967


• Genre: Traditional Pop, Jazz

Song Meanings Explained.

What a Wonderful World is a song filled with optimism and peace. This song was penned during a time of war and civil strife, yet even today, it stands tall, encouraging people to enjoy the beautiful moments of life amidst chaos. The song deals with the beauty of nature and human relationships, reiterating that during the bleakest of times, goodness and love conquer. It offers a perspective of gratitude, recognizing small wonders like trees, flowers, skies, and friendships, and proposes that the world, though with troubles, is still a beautiful place full of possibilities.

[Verse 1]

In the first verse, Armstrong sings about witnessing the natural beauty of "trees of green" and "red roses," symbolizing life and growth. The simplicity of the imagery reflects the basic pleasures that nature offers. This serene scene calls for an appreciation of the world, as Armstrong marvels at its beauty for both "me and you."

[Verse 2]

The second verse is another admiring moment of the natural world, where Armstrong sees "skies of blue" and "clouds of white." These ordinary views of bright days and "dark sacred nights" provoke the idea of balance in life—moments of light and dark all contributing to the wonder of life.

[Bridge]

The bridge introduces the human element, as Armstrong observes the "colors of the rainbow" across the sky and "on the faces" of people passing by. This line stands for human diversity and speaks volumes about unity and connection through greetings. The phrase "They're really saying, 'I love you'" suggests that kindness and love are at the core of human interaction.

[Verse 3]

The final verse finds Armstrong reflecting on the future, hearing "babies cry" and watching them grow. He recognizes that their futures are full of possibility—they'll "learn much more." This line expresses a hopeful vision for tomorrow, even as today presents challenges.

Song Theme.

The grand theme of *What a Wonderful World* is the beauty of life, regardless of how stormy it may get. Armstrong's performance inspires feelings of gratitude toward nature and human beings, conveying the idea that, despite the world's troubles, there is still much to love and admire. The song teaches listeners to let go of negativity and focus on the wonders of life; after all, it's the little things that make the world wonderful.

Technical Analysis.

Musically speaking, What a Wonderful World fuses traditional pop and jazz with lush orchestration and Armstrong's distinctive gravelly voice. The slow tempo and soaring string arrangements add an air of contemplation and uplift to the song. The structure is simple: verses lead into a memorable bridge that emphasizes the message of unity and love. The soothing melody and Armstrong's emotional delivery make the song easy to follow and impactful.

Lyrically, the song uses straightforward imagery to convey deep ideas about life, nature, and humanity. The repeated title line, "What a wonderful world," reinforces the central message, making it both memorable and effective. Armstrong's warmth and sincerity in delivering these simple lyrics have helped the song endure through the decades.

In conclusion, What a Wonderful World remains a timeless anthem of hope and optimism. Its message, delivered through Louis Armstrong's soulful performance, continues to resonate with audiences worldwide, serving as a reminder to find beauty and joy, even in the most challenging times.