About The Song
Title: (What A) Wonderful World
Artist: Sam Cooke
Genre: Soul, Rhythm and Blues
Release Date: April 14, 1960
Album: The Wonderful World of Sam Cooke
Writers: Sam Cooke, Lou Adler, Herb Alpert
Key Themes: (What A) Wonderful World is a soulful and optimistic song that expresses appreciation for the beauty of everyday life. The lyrics celebrate the simple joys and wonders of the world, from the beauty of nature to the happiness found in human relationships. It’s a heartfelt and uplifting expression of gratitude.
Musical Style: Sam Cooke’s rendition of (What A) Wonderful World is characterized by its smooth soulful vocals, backed by a lush orchestral arrangement. The song features a combination of soul and R&B elements, and Cooke’s delivery brings warmth and sincerity to the lyrics. The melody is timeless and adds to the song’s enduring appeal.
Cultural Impact: The song achieved both critical and commercial success, becoming one of Sam Cooke’s signature hits. It reached the top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 and has since become a classic in the soul and R&B genres. It has been covered by various artists over the years, further solidifying its cultural impact.
Legacy: (What A) Wonderful World has stood the test of time as one of Sam Cooke’s most beloved songs. Its universal message of finding joy in the simple pleasures of life continues to resonate with audiences, and the song remains a staple in the soundtrack of classic soul music.
Sam Cooke’s soulful rendition of (What A) Wonderful World remains a timeless anthem of positivity and appreciation for life’s wonders. Its enduring popularity reflects the song’s ability to evoke a sense of joy and optimism across generations.
Video
Lyrics
“(What A) Wonderful World”
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
What a wonderful, wonderful, wonderful, wonderful worldDon’t know much about history
Don’t know much biology
Don’t know much about a science book
Don’t know much about the French I took
(But I do know)
But I do know that I love you
And I know that if you love me, too
What a wonderful, wonderful world this would be
Don’t know much about geography
Don’t know much trigonometry
Don’t know much about algebra
I don’t know what a slide rule is for
(But I do know)
But I do know “one and one is two”
And if this one could be with you
(A wonderful world)
What a wonderful, wonderful world this would be
What a wonderful, wonderful, wonderful world
Now I don’t claim to be an ‘A’ student,
But I’m tryin’ to be
I think that maybe by bein’ an ‘A’-student, baby-baby
I could win your love for me
Don’t know much about the Middle Ages
Looked at the pictures then I turned the pages
Don’t know nothin’ ’bout no “Rise and fall”
Don’t know nothin’ ’bout nothin’ at all
(But I do know)
Girl it’s you that I’ve been thinkin’ of
And if I could only win your love (oh girl)
What a wonderful, (what a) wonderful world this would be
What a wonderful, wonderful world this would be
What a wonderful, wonderful, wonderful, wonderful world
What a wonderful, wonderful, wonderful, wonderful world