Louis Armstrong – What A Wonderful World (Official Video)
Inspiration Behind What a Wonderful World:
This song was conceived in 1967 by Bob Thiele and George David Weiss as a hopeful, uplifting musical piece. Seeking to heal a culture struggling with racial strife, the Vietnam War, and social unrest of this time, What a Wonderful World was designed to put a positive spin on life. Louis Armstrong recorded this song in 1967, connecting deeply with the themes of What a Wonderful Life, drawing from his own personal experiences.
Biblical Application:
But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. 9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance, 2 Peter 3:8-9.
Exegesis of What a Wonderful Life:
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
Providing a positive image and perspective of life. Unfortunately, we take the obvious signs of wonder for granted.
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 writers are pointing out blessings of a sunny day following by a night sky filled with stars. These are the things in life that are overlooked until you slow down to appreciate the wonder of earth.
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
After the rain stops, a rainbow is a sign of God’s covenant made with Noah. Do you see the faces of a great American melting people. Focus on what we have in common instead of what divides. Being kind and nice to one another is a sign of love for one another.
I hear babies crying, I watch them grow
They’ll learn much more than I’ll never know
And I think to myself what a wonderful world
Yes, I think to myself what a wonderful world
The joy of a newborn entering this world and watching them grow up. Observing the growth of human beings as society evolves. This moves Louis Armstrong to declare, “what a wonderful world.”
Oh, yes
Affirming his belief of a wonderful world.
As long as I can remember, I have always been a deep thinker, slowing down to reflect upon the mysteries of life. While I haven’t received answers to all of my questions, the Bible and the power of the Holy Spirit have opened my eyes to countless blessings that get overlooked daily. This is the message that Louis Armstrong proclaimed in this song, this world is a wonderful place to live.
by Jay Mankus
