About the song
“What a Wonderful World” stands as an enduring testament to the power of music to transcend time and touch the hearts of listeners worldwide. Written by Bob Thiele and George David Weiss, the song first found its voice through the legendary Louis Armstrong in 1967. Initially released as a single, its journey to fame was unexpectedly hindered in the United States by the disapproval of Larry Newton, then president of ABC Records, who famously disliked the song and refused to promote it. This reluctance meant that in its original release, the song sold fewer than 1,000 copies in the US but found considerable success across the Atlantic, reaching the coveted number one spot on the UK Singles Chart in April 1968.
The composition itself is a masterful blend of Armstrong’s soulful vocals and the orchestral arrangement, orchestrated by Thiele and recorded in a late-night session following one of Armstrong’s performances in Las Vegas. Despite initial setbacks during recording, including interruptions from passing freight trains, Armstrong’s professionalism and the song’s innate beauty prevailed, leading to a recording that would later be revered as one of his most iconic performances.
The song’s resurgence came two decades later when it was featured prominently in the soundtrack of the film “Good Morning, Vietnam” (1987), reintroducing it to a new generation and prompting a re-release as a single. This time, “What a Wonderful World” ascended to number 32 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1988, demonstrating its enduring appeal and timeless message.
Beyond its commercial success, “What a Wonderful World” has permeated popular culture, appearing in various films, television shows, and even adaptations in different musical genres. Its gentle optimism and celebration of the beauty in everyday life have made it a pop standard and a beloved anthem for moments of reflection and joy.
Louis Armstrong’s rendition of “What a Wonderful World” continues to resonate deeply with audiences, earning its place in the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999 and recognition on Rolling Stone’s list of the “Top 500 Best Songs of All Time” in 2021. Its legacy underscores not only the talent of its creators and performers but also the enduring power of music to inspire, uplift, and unite people across generations and cultures.
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Lyrics
I see trees of green
Red roses too
I see them bloom
For me and you
And I think to myself
What a wonderful world
I see skies of blue
And clouds of white
The bright blessed day
The dark sacred night
And I think to myself
What a wonderful world
The colors of the rainbow
So pretty in the sky
Are also on the faces
Of people going by
I see friends shaking hands
Saying, “How do you do?”
They’re really saying
I love you
I hear babies cry
I watch them grow
They’ll learn much more
Than I’ll ever know
And I think to myself
What a wonderful world
Yes, I think to myself
What a wonderful world
Ooh, yes