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Although the world is not a perfect place, it is important to remember there are so many beautiful things about it. When we are pressed for deadlines or stressed with work we tend to focus the entirety of our attention on feeling that way. This week’s song, What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong, reminds listeners that when we are overwhelmed, find time to let it go and find beauty in things we may commonly overlook.
“Seems to me, it aint the world that’s so bad but what we’re doin’ to it. And all I’m saying is, see, what a wonderful world it would be if only we’d give it a chance.” – Louis Armstrong
A Song About Appreciating the Beauty Around You
About the Song
Louis Armstrong is among one of the most influential influencers in Jazz. Although this isn’t his typical jazz style, What a Wonderful World became a staple many know him for. The song was written by Bob Thiele and George David Weiss and was given to Lewis Armstrong. The single was released in 1967 and was extremely popular in the UK right off the bat. For whatever reason, Larry Newton, president of ABC Records at the time, didn’t like the song and refused to promote it. Because of this, it took a few years to become popular in the United States.
The song highlights the little things in life that are beautiful people seem to lose sight of. From skies of blue to trees of green, it reminds us to take a step back and focus more on the positive aspects the world has to offer. It may be a difficult time or a difficult week, but the world won’t stop spinning. As you drive to work or work from home take a moment to look outside and observe something you find beautiful. Not only will it serve as a reminder of what a wonderful world we live in, but take away a bit of the stress on our shoulders.
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 never know
And I think to myself
What a wonderful world
Yes, I think to myself
What a wonderful world
Oh yeah
