John Stephens (born December 28, 1978 in Springfield, Ohio), better known a… Read Full Bio ↴John Stephens (born December 28, 1978 in Springfield, Ohio), better known as John Legend, is a Grammy award winning R&B singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, poet and actor signed to Kanye West's G.O.O.D. Music label. Prior to the release of his debut album Get Lifted in 2004, Legend's career gained momentum through a series of successful collaborations with multiple established artists such as Jay-Z, Alicia Keys and Lauryn Hill. He released his second album, Once Again in 2006, and his latest release, 2008's Evolver showcased a more experimental and upbeat side of Legend. He is the recipient of six Grammy Awards, and in 2007 he received the special Starlight award from the Songwriters Hall of Fame. You can get Cheap John Legend Tickets for his next performances.

Legend also played the piano on Lauryn Hill's 1998 song "Everything is Everything" and sang background vocals on Jay-Z's "Encore" and Alicia Keys' "You Don't Know My Name". Legend frequently cites gospel, R&B, and hip hop music as his main musical influences.

Legend released his critically acclaimed and Billboard Top Ten second album, Once Again, in October 2006. Produced by Raphael Saadiq, Kanye West and will.i.am, it is again a mixture of gospel and classic soul showcasing his extraordinary voice, particularly on "Show Me".

Grammy Award Wins:
*2005 Best New Artist
*2005 Best Male R&B Vocal Performance: "Ordinary People"
*2005 Best R&B Album- Get Lifted
*2007 Best Male R&B Vocal Performance: Heaven
*2007 Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group: Family Affair

Neo-soul singer and pianist John Legend combined the raw fervor of contemporaries Cody ChesnuTT and the burning precision of D'Angelo. Born John Stephens, Legend was a child prodigy who grew up in Ohio, where he began singing gospel and playing piano at the tender age of five. Legend left Ohio at 16 to attend college in Philadelphia, and it was there that he first found a larger audience. Not yet out of his teens, Legend was tapped to play piano on Lauryn Hill's "Everything Is Everything" in 1998. After completing college, he moved to New York, where he began to build a loyal following playing in nightclubs and releasing CDs that he would sell at shows. He also became an in-demand session musician, playing and occasionally writing for a wide array of artists, including Alicia Keys, Twista, Janet Jackson, and Kanye West. It wasn't until West signed the young talent to his new label that he adopted the Legend name with 2004's Solo Sessions Vol. 1: Live at the Knitting Factory. Get Lifted, his first studio album, was released later in the year. On the strength of enduring single "Ordinary People," the album reached the Top Five of the Billboard 200. This led to three Grammy Awards: Best R&B Album, Best R&B Male Vocal Performance, and Best New Artist. Once Again, which peaked at number three on the Billboard 200 and number one on the R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, followed in October 2006. Live from Philadelphia, sold exclusively at Target stores, was a successful stopgap release that predated October 2008's Evolver.

What A Wonderful World
John Legend Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I see trees of green, red roses too
I watch them bloom for me and you
And I think to myself, what a wonderful world

I see skies of blue, clouds of white
The bright blessed day and 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 the people passing by
I see friends shaking hands, saying, how do you do?"
What they're really saying is "I love you."

I hear babies cry, I watch them grow
They'll know 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

Overall Meaning

In John Legend's rendition of "What a Wonderful World," the lyrics beautifully express a profound appreciation for the beauty and miracles of everyday life. As the singer reflects on the natural world around him, he notices the vibrant colors of trees, roses, skies, and clouds, all blooming and thriving as if just for him and his beloved. This observation leads him to contemplate the wonder and magic of the world, prompting the thought that it truly is a magnificent place full of awe-inspiring sights and sensations.

The imagery continues to paint a vivid picture of a picturesque world, where the colors of the rainbow reflect not only in the sky but also in the faces of the people he encounters. The simple act of friends greeting each other with a handshake is seen as a subtle declaration of love and connection, highlighting the deeper emotional bonds that exist between individuals. This observation underscores the theme of love and human connection that runs throughout the song, emphasizing the power of empathy and compassion in creating a sense of unity and harmony.

The lyrics also touch upon the cycle of life, from the sound of babies crying to the sight of them growing and learning. There is a recognition of the passing of time and the inevitable changes that come with it, but also a sense of hope and optimism as future generations are poised to inherit a world filled with endless possibilities and opportunities for growth. The singer acknowledges his own limitations in comparison to the potential of these future generations, yet finds solace in the belief that the world will continue to be a source of wonder and beauty for them to discover.

In the final moments of the song, the singer reaffirms his awe and appreciation for the world around him, encapsulating the sentiment that despite any challenges or hardships, there is still an abundance of beauty and goodness to be found. The repeated refrain of "What a Wonderful World" serves as a poignant reminder to always seek out the beauty and joy in life, even in the midst of darkness or uncertainty. Ultimately, the song celebrates the interconnectedness of all living beings and the enduring resilience of the human spirit in finding hope and wonder in the world we inhabit.

Line by Line Meaning

I see trees of green, red roses too
I notice the beauty of nature surrounding me

I watch them bloom for me and you
I witness the growth and beauty of the world for all to enjoy

And I think to myself, what a wonderful world
I reflect on the wonders of the world with gratitude

I see skies of blue, clouds of white
I observe the changing weather patterns in the sky

The bright blessed day and the dark sacred night
I appreciate the contrast between day and night

And I think to myself, what a wonderful world
I continue to marvel at the beauty and complexity of the world

The colors of the rainbow, so pretty in the sky
The vibrant colors of a rainbow are a stunning sight

Are also on the faces of the people passing by
The diversity of people's expressions and emotions is equally beautiful

I see friends shaking hands, saying, how do you do?
I witness friendly interactions and greetings between people

What they're really saying is "I love you."
The simple gesture of greeting conveys a deeper sense of affection and connection

I hear babies cry, I watch them grow
I listen to the sounds of new life and observe the growth and development of children

They'll know much more than I'll ever know
The younger generation will learn and experience things beyond my own knowledge

And I think to myself: What a Wonderful World
I continue to be amazed by the capacity for growth and learning in the world

Yes I think to myself: What a Wonderful World
Indeed, I am constantly reminded of the beauty and wonder of the world

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: George David Weiss, Robert Thiele

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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