In 2004, the song was placed 373rd in Rolling Stone magazine's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
The song has been covered by many artists, including the aforementioned Herman's Hermits, Richard Marx, Greg Chapman, and Art Garfunkel (who performed a cover of the song on his 1977 album Watermark, with harmonies by James Taylor and Paul Simon). Johnny Nash had a UK hit with his cover of the song in 1976.
It was also covered by Otis Redding on his album Otis Blue.
David Bromberg covered the song on the 1975 album Midnight on the Water.
It was covered on the 1980 album Boys Only by UK power pop band The Boys.
The track was covered by Terence Trent D'Arby as a "B-side" on a rare 7" vinyl EP in the late 1980s.
It was again covered in 2005 by Scottish crooner Jim Diamond on The Blues Shoe EP.
In August 2008, a parody version of the song was featured in a high-profile political advertisement from the Barack Obama for President campaign. The lyrics were altered to satirize John McCain's lack of knowledge on economic issues ("Don't know much about industry...").
Jesse Malin covered the song on his 2008 covers album On Your Sleeve.
Joan Baez frequently includes an acoustic version of the song in her concerts.
Credits
* Written by Sam Cooke, Lou Adler, and Herb Alpert.
* Produced by Sam Cooke.
* Instrumentation by Rene Hall (arrangement), Adolphus Asbrook (bass), Ronald Selico (drums), and Cliff White (guitar).
* Background vocals by Lou Rawls.
* Engineering by Deano Lappas.
Wonderful World
Sam Cooke 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 (Biology)
Oh, la ta ta ta ta ta ta ta (Science book)
Hmm (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 lyrics of Sam Cooke's "Wonderful World" expresses the singer's lack of knowledge about an array of academic subjects. He admits that he doesn't know much about history, biology, science or French despite taking classes related to those subjects. He juxtaposes his ignorance against his love for the person he is addressing. The chorus repeats the melody and lyrics of "What a Wonderful World this would be" in a hopeful and optimistic tone. The repetition brings out the singer's positive emotions for the object of his affection, imagining a future together full of joy and happiness.
What is interesting about Cooke's composition is that it was not only a love song but also a political statement. Cooke wrote the song during the Civil Rights movement in the US when there was immense racial discrimination. The context of the lyrics and the fact that Cooke's music advocated for equality and justice made "Wonderful World" an anthem for the movement. Cooke's music was not only popular among African Americans but also gained popularity among white people.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't know much about History
I'm not well-versed in historical events.
Don't know much Biology
I don't have extensive knowledge about biology.
Don't know much about a Science book
I haven't read many science books.
Don't know much about the French I took
Despite taking French classes, I didn't learn it well.
But I do know that I love you
However, I'm certain of my love for you.
And I know that if you love me too
I believe in the possibility of your love for me.
What a wonderful world this would be
If we love each other, the world would be a beautiful place for us.
Don't know much about Geography
I don't have adequate knowledge about geography.
Don't know much Trigonometry
I'm not knowledgeable of trigonometry and its concepts.
Don't know much about Algebra
My skills in algebra are limited.
Don't know what a slide rule is for
I'm unfamiliar with the purpose of a slide rule.
But I do know one and one is two
However, I do know basic mathematical principles.
And if this one could be with you
If I could be with you.
Now, I don't claim to be an A student
I don't profess to be an outstanding student.
But I'm trying to be
I'm doing my best to improve.
For maybe by being an A student, baby
Perhaps becoming an exceptional student would win your love for me.
La ta ta ta ta ta ta (History)
Vocalization indicating absence of comprehension or knowledge about history.
Hmm (Biology)
Vocalization indicating uncertainty or lack of knowledge about biology.
Oh, la ta ta ta ta ta ta ta (Science book)
Vocalization indicating ignorance about science books.
Hmm (French I took)
Vocalization indicating partial or no knowledge of the French language.
Yeah, but I do know that I love you
Notwithstanding my limited knowledge, I am sure about my affection for you.
And I know that if you love me too
I am optimistic that your love for me is possible.
What a wonderful world this would be
Our mutual love would create a beautiful world for us.
Lyrics © Kanjian Music, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave
Written by: Herb Alpert, Lou Adler, Sam Cooke
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@clinteastwood8323
This song is solid proof that not every song has to be musically complex for it to be emotionally effective.
@nulightpros136
listen to the guitar on this song and then talk about musical complexity.
@mattyfrench2121
The most emotionally effective songs are simple.
@clinteastwood8323
@MattyFrench No. I wouldnt go that far. A complex song can be just as emotional as a simple one.
@magic131
Not musically complex but lyrically deep if you understand it
@-danR
@Clint Eastwood
If that were true, this song would not be proof of it; it is considerably more complex than talking to a chair.
@darylgrimes4484
Shoutout to all the people listening to this, you have great taste in music.
@tyhensley7076
You too my friend!
@Mr.Icemang
Anyone have any recommendations of old bangers like this song?
@D.family102
Thank you