In going solo, Ryan Adams, an old friend, was impressed by Malin's songs and offered to produce a record for him, in spite of having never done it before. Malin's debut, "The Fine Art of Self Destruction," was made in just under a week, and was released in January, 2003. He toured both the US and the UK in support of the album.
Malin's follow-up, "The Heat," was released in June, 2004. He released his third solo album, "Glitter in the Gutter," in March, 2007.
In 2010, Malin formed a band called Jesse Malin & the St. Mark's Social and released an album called Love It To Life; the title comes from a quote by Joe Strummer (the title was previously used on a 2007 UK release of live material on the One Little Indian label.) Featuring a more rockier approach, the album's first single was "Burning The Bowery" and next single was "All The Way From Moscow." Love It To Life was referred to as "the best album of his career" by Paste Magazine.
In December 2010, Malin, along members of Green Day, formed the band 'Rodeo Queens'. They released one song, along with a video, called 'Depression Times'. D Generation reunited in 2011 and continue to play live.
In 2019, Jesse Malin released the critically acclaimed album "Sunset Kids," in collaboration with American roots icon Lucinda Williams and Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day.
Wonderful World
Jesse Malin Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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 that I love you
And I know that if you love me, too
What a wonderful world this would be
Don't know much about geography
Don't know much trigonometry
Don't know much about algebra
Don't know what a slide rule is for
But I do know one and one is two
And if this one could be with you
What a wonderful world this would be
Now, I don't claim to be an A student
But I'm trying to be
For maybe by being an A student, baby
I can win your love for me
Don'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 that I love you
And I know that if you love me, too
What a wonderful world this would be
La ta ta ta ta ta ta (History)
Hmm-mm-mm (Biology)
La ta ta ta ta ta ta (Science book)
Hmm-mm-mm (French I took)
Yeah, but I do know that I love you
And I know that if you love me, too
What a wonderful world this would be
The song "Wonderful World" by Jesse Malin is an uplifting love song with educational themes. The lyrics reflect on the singer's lack of knowledge in various subjects, but declares that love is the one thing he knows for sure. The song discusses not knowing much about history, biology, science books, French, geography, trigonometry or algebra. However, what he does know is that he loves the person he’s singing to, and if she loves him too, the world would be a wonderful place to live in.
The song implies that knowledge and education aren’t necessary to have a wonderful life; what's truly important is love. The line "Now, I don’t claim to be an A student, but I’m trying to be" suggests that the singer recognizes the value of education and is aspiring to be a better student to win his lover's affection. Overall, the song delivers a simple yet powerful message that love is the foundation of a wonderful world.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't know much about history
I am not very knowledgeable about past events and dates
Don't know much biology
I have limited knowledge of the functioning of living organisms
Don't know much about a science book
I haven't read extensively on scientific subjects
Don't know much about the French I took
My knowledge of French language is not very comprehensive
But I do know that I love you
Despite my lack of knowledge, I know that I am deeply in love with you
And I know that if you love me, too
I am convinced that if you reciprocate my love, we would be perfect for each other
What a wonderful world this would be
Such would make my world blissful
Don't know much about geography
My knowledge of physical landscapes and their features is limited
Don't know much trigonometry
I am not well-versed in trigonometric calculations
Don't know much about algebra
I haven't studied algebra extensively
Don't know what a slide rule is for
I don't have a good understanding of what a slide rule is used for
But I do know one and one is two
Despite my limited knowledge, I understand basic arithmetic
And if this one could be with you
If only I could be with you
What a wonderful world this would be
It would make me truly happy
Now, I don't claim to be an A student
I am not saying that I am a top-performing student
But I'm trying to be
However, I am making an effort to improve myself
For maybe by being an A student, baby
Perhaps if I excel academically, it would make me more attractive to you
I can win your love for me
I believe that being an achiever would make me more lovable to you
La ta ta ta ta ta ta (History)
Vocals
Hmm-mm-mm (Biology)
Vocals
La ta ta ta ta ta ta (Science book)
Vocals
Hmm-mm-mm (French I took)
Vocals
Yeah, but I do know that I love you
But beyond my lack of knowledge, I am certain of my love for you
And I know that if you love me, too
I am utterly convinced that we belong together
What a wonderful world this would be
It would be a splendid and fulfilling world
Contributed by Makayla W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Michael Tapp
well done!
Jacqueline Dillon
"Exceptional" isn't a strong enough word.