Background:

The song "What a Wonderful World" was written by Bob Thiele and George Weiss in 1967. It was originally intended for Tony Bennett, but after Armstrong heard the demo, he insisted on recording it himself. The song became Armstrong's biggest hit, topping the charts in both the US and UK.

Thoughts Behind the Lyrics:

Verse 1:

• "I see trees of green, red roses too": Depicts the beauty and diversity of nature.
• "I see them bloom for me and you": Expresses a sense of awe and gratitude for the wonders of the world that are available to everyone.

Verse 2:

• "I see skies of blue and clouds of white": Continues the theme of natural beauty, with the sky representing hope and optimism.
• "The bright blessed days, the dark sacred nights": Acknowledges that life has both moments of joy and sorrow, but both are part of the human experience.

Bridge:

• "The colors of the rainbow... Are also on the faces of people going by": Draws a parallel between the beauty of nature and the diversity and kindness of humanity.
• "I see friends shaking hands, saying, 'How do you do?' They're really saying, 'I love you'": Expresses the belief that even simple gestures can convey deep emotions and connect people.

Verse 3:

• "I hear babies cry, I watch them grow... They'll learn much more than I'll ever know": Reflects on the cycle of life and the potential of future generations.
• "What a wonderful world": The repeated refrain serves as a testament to the songwriter's appreciation for the beauty and wonder of the world and the interconnectedness of all life.

Overall Message:

The lyrics of "What a Wonderful World" convey a message of optimism, gratitude, and interconnectedness. They remind listeners to appreciate the simple things in life, to find joy in human relationships, and to recognize the beauty and potential that surrounds us.