Wonderful world
Aretha & Otis Lyrics
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Don't know much about biology
Don't know much about the science book, now
Don't know much about the French I took
All I do know is I love you, now
And I wonder if you love me too
Ooh, what a wonderful world this could be
Ooh, I don't know much about geography, now
Don't know much about trigonometry, now
Don't know much about the algebra
Don't know what a slide rule is for
But I do know one and one is two, now
And I wonder if you love me too
Ooh, what a wonderful world this could be
I, I don't claim to be an A-student
But that's what I'm trying to be
But by being a, an A-student, baby
Look like I could win your love for me
Don't know much about the history, now, oh now
Don't know much about biology
I don't know much about the science book, now
Don't know much about the good French I took, oh
What I do know is I love you, now, oh now
And I wonder if you love me too
Ooh, what a wonderful world this could be
Good Lord, I don't claim to be an A-student
But that's what I'm trying to be, oh now
But if I have to be an A-student, baby
I'm gonna win your love for me
I don't know much about geography, now, oh now
Don't know much about trigonometry
Don't know much about the algebra, now
Don't know what a good slide rule is for
But I do know one and one is two, now, oh now
And I wonder if you love me too
Ooh, what a wonderful world this could be
Cha-cha-cha-cha-cha-cha-cha
Oh, my, my good lord, I've been trying
I've been trying, I've been trying for so long...
The lyrics of "Wonderful World" by Aretha Franklin & Otis Redding tell a story of a person who openly admits that they may not be well-versed in certain subjects like history, biology, science, French, geography, trigonometry, and algebra. The singer acknowledges their lack of knowledge in these areas but emphasizes that they do know one thing, that they love the person they are singing to. This highlights the idea that love transcends intellectual capabilities and that emotional connection is what truly matters in life.
The repeated refrain of "I wonder if you love me too, ooh, what a wonderful world this could be" reflects the desire for reciprocated love and the possibility of a beautiful and fulfilling relationship. The simplicity of knowing basic math, like one plus one equals two, contrasts with the complexity of academic subjects, reinforcing the idea that love is straightforward and uncomplicated compared to other aspects of life.
The lyrics also touch upon the aspiration to excel academically ("I don't claim to be an A-student, but that's what I'm trying to be") as a means to impress and win the affection of the person they love. This showcases the lengths the singer is willing to go to in order to earn the love and admiration of their significant other, even if it means striving to be an "A-student" in various subjects they are not familiar with.
The closing verses continue to express the sentiment of trying hard to be worthy of love and recognition, even if the singer acknowledges their shortcomings and lack of knowledge in certain areas. The upbeat and catchy "cha-cha-cha" at the end adds a playful touch to the earnest declaration of love and effort to improve oneself for the sake of the relationship. Overall, the lyrics of "Wonderful World" convey a message of love, self-improvement, and the beauty of a world where love is reciprocated and cherished.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't know much about my history, now
I lack knowledge about my past
Don't know much about biology
I have limited understanding of biological science
Don't know much about the science book, now
I am not well-acquainted with the contents of a science textbook
Don't know much about the French I took
My grasp of the French language is not extensive
All I do know is I love you, now
Despite my shortcomings in other areas, I am certain of my affection for you
And I wonder if you love me too
I am curious about your feelings towards me
Ooh, what a wonderful world this could be
The potential for happiness and joy between us is immense
Ooh, I don't know much about geography, now
I have limited knowledge of geographical facts
Don't know much about trigonometry, now
Trigonometry is a subject I lack understanding in
Don't know much about the algebra
My knowledge of algebra is deficient
Don't know what a slide rule is for
I am unaware of the purpose of a slide rule
But I do know one and one is two, now
Despite my limitations, I understand basic arithmetic
I, I don't claim to be an A-student
I do not assert that I excel academically
But that's what I'm trying to be
Nevertheless, I strive to improve my academic performance
But by being a, an A-student, baby
Perhaps by achieving top grades, I can earn your affection
Look like I could win your love for me
It seems that academic success may lead to your love
Good Lord, I don't claim to be an A-student
I reiterate that academic excellence is not my claim
But if I have to be an A-student, baby
If attaining top grades is necessary to win your love
Cha-cha-cha-cha-cha-cha-cha
Expressing enthusiasm and joy through rhythmic sounds
Oh, my, my good lord, I've been trying
I have persevered and made efforts towards improvement
I've been trying, I've been trying, I've been trying for so long...
My endeavors to excel have been ongoing and continuous
Lyrics © Kanjian Music, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave
Written by: Herb Alpert, Lou Adler, Sam Cooke
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Jose Maldonado
I Don't know much about history
Don't know much about biology
Don't know much about the science book
Don't know much about the French I took
All I do know is I love you
And I wonder if you love me too
Ooh, what a wonderful world this gonna be
I don't know much about geography
Don't know much about trigonometry
Don't know much about the algebra
Don't know what a slide rule is for
All I do know, one and one is two
And I wonder if you love me too
What a wonderful world this gonna be
Now, I don't claim to be an A student
But that's what I'm trying to be
But by being an A student, baby
Look like I can win your love for me
Don't know much about the history, now
Don't know much about biology
I don't know much about the science book
Don't know much about the good French I took, oh
What I do know is I love you
And I wonder if you love me too
Ooh, what a wonderful world this could be
Good God, I don't claim to be an A student
But that's what I'm trying to be
But if I have to be an A student, baby
I'm gonna win no love for me
I don't know much about geography
Don't know much trigonometry
Don't know much about the algebra
Don't know what a good slide rule is for
But I do know, one and one is two
And I wonder if you love me too
What a wonderful world this gonna be
Cha, cha, cha, cha, cha
I've been trying, I've been trying, I've been trying
Otis is a fabulous singer, soul with a bit of gravel. Steve Cropper is his perfect foil, what a guitar player! Just perfect according to Keith Richards.
Tommy Morgan
Wonderful wonderful music!!! What a musician Otis was!!!
Elizabeth Theodorou
They don't make soul music like this no more. Otis was pure class
vidiia
I have this vinyl, and I can't count how many times I've listened to this version of the song.
Beautiful.
Nick W
God bless you Otis Redding, you gave the world so much in your short time here, I hope you know that.
Sebastian
What a wonderful voice!
Maylene Charles
he is the best i have ever known his voice is a masterpiece
Lawrence Deadmon
At his best
Lawrence Deadmon
True Soul
Shay Shay
Pure Genius 😍🙌🏼 can’t listen to this without moving 🤗