As our world begins to come to life with all the beauties and promises of springtime, I’m reminded of a song that holds special meaning for me. A month before my mom passed away in 2008 I was visiting her in Tennessee. The assisted living facility where she lived often had live music events in their dining hall, and my mother loved to attend them. Since one was scheduled while I was there, we went!
Men were in short supply, so the ladies often danced alone or with one another. With the first strains of “What a Wonderful World,” the song made famous by Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong, Mom turned to me and said, “Let’s dance!” We did, and I’m forever grateful for that memory.
May the lyrics to the song remind you, too, that there is still so much beauty, so much wonder in our world to celebrate! And so much for which to be grateful to the Lord who created it all (John 1:3).
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 goin’ by
I see friends shakin’ hands, sayin’
“How do you do?”
They’re really sayin’,
“I love you.”
I hear babies cry, I watch them grow
They’ll learn much more than I’ll ever know
And I think to myself
What a wonderful world
Yes, I think to myself
What a wonderful world
Songwriter: Doug Dipreta
© BMG Rights Management, Concord Music Publishing LLC
Ah, Nancy. Another favorite of mine. I love to hear IZ from Hawaii sing it. Bought the CD when I was there visiting a granddaughter several years ago and have loved it ever since.
Thanks, Betty! I’ll have to look up that rendition. Happy spring (although we have snow again today!)
Beautiful, you speak truth!
Love you!
Jimmie
Thank you, Jimmie! Love you, too. Enjoy your ROSES!
Hi Nancy,
Love Louis Armstrong’s rendition, though I do like IZ’s as well. Shari and I chose Satchmo’s rendition for our first dance as husband and wife nearly 30 years ago. Wonderful Life; Wonderful memories!
Wow, the song really has special meaning for you, Ben! You’re the second one to recommend IZ. I’ll look for it!
Hi Nancy,
As I was reading through the words to the song, What A Wonderful World, I could almost hear Louie Armstrong sing it. And then I clicked on the link to hear him sing. Thank you, it was just what I needed tonight.
Blessings,
Ruth Axtell
So glad, Ruth. It’s uplifting for sure!
My friend,
We’ve talked about our mothers often but I never knew this special memory… in the last few months of my mom’s struggle with cancer she loved the song too. Great moms and great memories! Greetings from San Diego!
Some memories are just more precious than others, huh? And music brings them to mind so well! Safe travels, Jane and Bob! Thanks for still reading while “on the road again!”
I never danced with my Mom, but she often entertained us kids by dancing the Charleston. Great memories.
Your memory made me smile, Peggy!! What a joyful mom you had!
The unforgettable Satchmo!
How can it get sweeter than dancing with your mom?
and to be able to slip in that g.granma photo!
well it just doesn’t get any better, precious friend!
This is my husband’s favorite song too! What a lovely lyric reminding us of the really important things in life. I’m so happy you had that last dance with your Mom. So beautiful!