What A Wonderful World
The Best Smooth Jazz Ever Vol. 2 Lyrics

People moving out, people moving in
People are changing their living arrangements, either by moving to a new place or leaving their current one.

Why, because of the color of their skin
The reason behind some people's movement is due to the racial or ethnic differences between groups of people.

Run, run, run but you sure can't hide
Trying to escape or hide is not a solution and cannot help you avoid the consequences of your actions.

An eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth
The idea of seeking revenge by retaliating with the same level of harm that was inflicted on oneself.

Vote for me and I'll set you free
Politicians try to persuade voters that they have the ability to make things better and improve their lives if they are elected.

Rap on, sisters, rap on
Encouragement to keep speaking out and spreading a message, especially for women.

Well, the only person talkin' 'bout love, my brother is the preacher
Only the preacher is discussing the importance of love, kindness, and forgiveness towards others.

And it seems nobody's interested in learning but the teacher
The only person who seems to care about educating others and helping them learn is the teacher.

Segregation, determination, demonstration, integration
The process of separation, resolve, protest, and uniting different groups of people together, especially in reference to civil rights movements.

Aggravation, humiliation, obligation to our nation
The feeling of being irritated, embarrassed, and having a responsibility towards one's country and fellow citizens.

Ball of confusion (oh, yeah, yeah)
The world is full of chaos and disorder.

That's what the world is today
This is the current state of the world.

Woo, hey, hey (let me hear it, let me hear it, let me hear it, say it)
A call for the audience to participate and voice their agreement or acknowledgement.

The sale of pills are at an all time high (say it)
There is an increase in the distribution and usage of pharmaceutical drugs.

Young folks walking 'round with their heads in the sky (oh, say it)
There is a sense of naivete and disregard for reality among today's youth.

The cities ablaze in the summer time!
Urban areas are prone to rioting and violence, especially during the hotter months of the year.

And oh, the beat goes on
Despite any chaos or turmoil, life continues and moves forward.

Evolution, revolution, gun control, sound of soul
The progression of society, radical change, restrictions on firearms, and the power of music.

Shooting rockets to the moon, kids growing up too soon
Advancements in science and technology alongside a sense of childlike wonder being lost too quickly.

Gloria (round and around and around we go)
A reference to the cyclical nature of life and how history repeats itself.

Gloria (where the world's headed nobody knows)
The future is uncertain and unpredictable.

Alleluia ([Whoopi] Play Alma, go ahead girl)
An expression of joy or praise, followed by a request for music to be played.

Oh, great googalooga, can't you hear me talking to you?
An exclamation of disbelief or frustration, with a question directed towards a higher power.

Just a ball of confusion
Everything is in a state of disorder and bewilderment.

Oi vay
An exclamation of worry, despair, or frustration.

Fear in the air, tension everywhere
There is a widespread sense of unease and hostility in the world.

Unemployment rising fast, hip hop music's a gas
Jobs are becoming scarcer while the cultural phenomenon of hip-hop is exploding in popularity.

And the only safe place to live is on the Indian Reservation
The only secure or peaceful location is reserved exclusively for Native American populations.

And the band played on
Despite the turmoil in the world, the music continues to play and provide solace.

Eve of destruction, tax deduction, city inspectors, bill collectors
Looming disaster, write-offs for taxes, bureaucratic inspections, and financial obligations.

Mod clothes in demand, population out of hand, suicide, too many bills
Fashion becoming more popular, overpopulation causing problems, an increase in suicide rates, and bills piling up.

Yuppies moving to the hills
Young urban professionals relocating to more affluent neighborhoods in the suburbs or countryside.

People all over the world shouting, "End the war!"
A global outcry to put an end to warfare and violence.

Ball of confusion (that's what the world is today)
The state of disorder and uncertainty present in today's world.

Great googalooga, can't you hear us talking to you
A plea to a higher power, with an expression of hopelessness and helplessness.

Sayin'...Ball of confusion
Reiterating the central theme of the song - that the world is in a state of disorder and uncertainty.