♫ What A Wonderful World ♫ (Redux)

Posted on by under Bits 'n Pieces, Environmental Issues, Global Issues, History, music, Social commentary

I think right about now there are a lot of us who are feeling discouraged about many things, maybe even the future of life on planet Earth.  I know I’ve been in a royal funk for a couple of days now, unable to write or do much of anything, so I thought maybe it was time for a song with a genuinely upbeat spin, and who better to do that than the immortal Louis Armstrong?  I last played this one in June 2020 … just over 2 years ago.

I was probably around ten years old when I saw Louis Armstrong in person.  I remember being agog at how big he could make his cheeks when playing the trumpet!  I also fell in love with his gravelly voice and the look of kindness in his eyes.  Ever since, I have been a Louis Armstrong fan.

I just finished writing a post about the slaughter of beautiful animals, and was feeling the need for a song about appreciating the beauty around us.  This song is just that.

Although Louis Armstrong was mainly a jazz musician, this song is the one most often associated with him.  Though it was first released in 1967, it didn’t become a hit in the U.S. until 20 years later when it was used in the Robin Williams movie Good Morning, Vietnam.  However, it went to #1 in the UK.

The song was written by Bob Thiele (as “George Douglas”) and George David Weiss, both of whom were prominent in the music world (Thiele as a producer and Weiss as a composer/performer).  Armstrong’s recording was inducted in the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999.

What a Wonderful World
Louis Daniel Armstrong

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 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

Songwriters: George Weiss / Robert Thiele
What a Wonderful World lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Concord Music Publishing LLC, Carlin America Inc

29 thoughts on “♫ What A Wonderful World ♫ (Redux)”

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    • I wondered … I noticed I hadn’t seen you as often as usual and was hoping that you were alright. Is it the heat that’s got you down? Take care of yourself, my friend! Glad you enjoyed Louis Armstrong! xx

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  6. I’ve always played this song when I’m feeling desolate, Jill. It took on a different hue once I saw Meet Joe Black-I discovered a more mature appreciation for its deeper meaning. These days Gungor’s Beautiful Things is a favorite if I’m feeling lost and separated from the world I thought I belonged in. I almost can’t take anymore ‘news’. While I understand its necessity, it has become too much, too often and too opinionated. The actual reports are bad enough but then the comments leave me disgusted, nauseated and very exhausted. Our human race is not impressive. I think if there was a graph showing levels of unconditional love we would come up very short. I am enjoying Dan Rather’s commentary over on Instagram. The man is one of my investigative heroes, an icon. Oh the days of Cronkite, Brinkley, Rather, Sawyer and Walters. I still like listening to Lester Holt report. After that it’s a parade of bimbos, parodies and uneducated buffoons. Rachel Maddow may be the exception to that rule. I’m sure there are others but they are few and far between. Real reporting took a nose dive in an attempt to compete with the talk shows. Phil Donahue likely stole a lot of news watchers back in the day. It was sad to see the legit hosts fall prey to sensationalism for the sake of ratings. “Give the people what they want!” The problem there is people. Always…

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    • I feel your pain, my friend, and like you, I often say that I no longer recognize this country … the world, really. But, I am a stubborn wench and I’ll be damned if I’ll give in and let the bigots and the rich folk have this nation. I might not make much of a difference, but not for a lack of trying. It’s hard, dear friend … I don’t deny that. Some mornings you wonder why you even bother to get out of bed. But … we cannot give up, for to do so is to condemn our children, grandchildren, and their grandchildren to a nation with no real values, a nation where the average person is naught but a slave, where people look over their shoulder before even speaking.

      You are very right about the press. While I am an avid supporter of a free press, for if we lose that, then we do become Nazi Germany, I also expect them to report the news responsibly and without bias. Of late, their reporting seems to be more about getting ratings or subscribers than upholding their duty. I think a lot of that is due to the internet where information is so readily available … newspapers don’t sell like they used to, nor does factual reporting. There’s some reason why Fox is the most watched network, despite the fact that they are bigoted liars. Sigh.

      Hang in, Cheryl … I can’t promise it will get better, but I CAN guarantee that you are not alone in your angst & depression … all of us who have brains and consciences share it with you. Big hugs, dear friend!

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  7. This is a wonderful classic. Always brings a tear to my eye.

    If you have a chance, take a look at the space photos taken by the James Webb space telescope. Truly awe inspiring. Things may feel dire at times on our planet but my goodness, the universe is vast and full of possibilities.

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  8. This was one of my Mum’s favourites, so I kinda grew up with it. A true classic. Very poignant, and has been used to good effect in movies. I love this new official animated version, that came out just after you last played this one: https://youtu.be/rBrd_3VMC3c

    Charming and captivating, and such a great fit for the song.

    Liked by 3 people

  10. I learned to sing this song when I took singing lessons once. It’s a beautifully timeless song with so much to say to this day.

    🌎🌏🌍☮️💓

    Liked by 3 people

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