What a Wonderful World

Only Love Can Do That

What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong

Recommended by Mom

"Just love this song and would like to hear whatever info you come up with about this one..."

A bit of history:

Intended as an antidote for the increasingly racially and politically charged climate of everyday life in the United States, the song also has a hopeful, optimistic tone with regard to the future, with reference to babies being born into the world and having much to look forward to. (source)

Yeah, and this song came out in 1967. So let's think about what we're really saying when we say, "Make America great again."

Anyway, I think that's a beautiful reason to write a song, and it's (unfortunately) just as appropriate in 2016 as it was back then.

There's nothing but peace and love when you listen to this song.

I appreciate the simplicity of the lyrics, hinting at how it's the little things in life that can sometimes mean the most. Trees and clouds. Flowers and rainbows.

He sings fondly about hearing babies cry. He romanticizes something as casual as friends shaking hands, and you realize that we sometimes take those little moments for granted. He makes you wonder why there's so much hate out in the world.

That simplicity is reflected, too, in the music. Beneath Armstrong's signature growl, it's rolling triplets and strings that mimic the melody. Nothing complicated.

This was the best-selling single of 1968 in Britain, yet Louis Armstrong accepted only $250 when he recorded it, to ensure that the orchestra got paid (x). Sounds like Armstrong was singing straight from a kind, generous heart. Gives you hope, doesn't it?

Live and love.

Overview:

Genre:
Traditional Pop
Is "non-instrumental wedding music" a genre?

Favorite Lyrics:
I see friends shaking hands, saying, "How do you do?"
They're really saying, "I love you."

Verdict:
The world we wish we lived in.

Bonus:

A video posted by kim crine (@kimcrime) on Oct 23, 2013 at 6:59pm PDT