Help Aleteia to spread hopeMake a tax-deductible donationMake a tax-deductible donation
separateurCreated with Sketch.

“What a Wonderful World” through the eyes of God

Glasses in Focus, flowers
whatsappfacebooktwitter-xemailnative
J-P Mauro - published on 06/01/24
whatsappfacebooktwitter-xemailnative
Kings Return's epic rendition of Louis Armstrong's classic song adds beauty of sound to a tune that marvels at the glory of God's creation.

Lenten Campaign 2025

This content is free of charge, as are all our articles.
Support us with a donation that is tax-deductible and enable us to continue to reach millions of readers.

Donate

In the first six days of existence, God made light in the darkness; created the sky, seas, and land; decorated the cosmos with the sun, moon, and stars; and populated the land, airs, and waters with living beings, not least of all humans made in God’s image. Then, on the seventh day he rested and looked down upon “What a Wonderful World” he had created. 

It was this thought that struck us while listening to Kings Return’s rendition of “What a Wonderful World,” a tune most recognizable in the guttural voice of Louis Armstrong. At first, we considered if the song were a prayer, as it does make reference to the “bright blessed day” and “dark sacred night.” As it progressed, however, it began to feel as though the song was attempting to admire the beauty of creation through God’s eyes. 

From the start of the piece, the lyrics note the witnessing of trees and roses blooming, noting that they live “for me and you.” Of course, all things live for God, but God created plants to produce life-giving oxygen to sustain the world’s life – and the beautiful flowers for our enjoyment – meaning they are for us as well. And God thinks to himself “what a wonderful world,” for there was nothing more to add to the perfection of his creation by the seventh day.

When looked at through such a lens, the song becomes all the more jarring when juxtaposed to the rough and gravelly voice of Louis Armstrong. Here, a tune that is glorifying each minutiae of God’s creation is sung by one of the most unattractive voices ever recorded, but it suits the song so well. After all, Louis Armstrong’s voice is a product of the divine, the same as each of us, and it should be admired alongside the trees and roses and babies. 

Speaking of babies, that leads us to the one line that does not fit with this “through God’s eyes” lens, as the lyrics remark “they’ll learn much more than I’ll ever know.” As God is omnipotent, no mere mortal will ever know more than the almighty. Perhaps this dashes the theory, but it is a fun thought experiment nonetheless. 

Kings Return’s rendition, however, has no juxtaposition, for there is nothing ugly or unattractive in any of their magnificent voices. This powerhouse a cappella group gives it an epic treatment with expansive and imaginative chords that keep the listener’s attention by going in creative directions that the ear rarely expects, but usually appreciates.

Kings Return is available to stream on Spotify, Apple Music, or just about any other streaming service. Follow them on YouTube to hear more from this incredible vocal ensemble. 

Did you enjoy this article? Would you like to read more like this?

Get Aleteia delivered to your inbox. It’s free!

Enjoying your time on Aleteia?

Articles like these are sponsored free for every Catholic through the support of generous readers just like you. Please make a tax-deductible donation today!

Help us continue to bring the Gospel to people everywhere through uplifting Catholic news, stories, spirituality, and more.

Comment
You must be logged in to comment.
If you don't already have an Aleteia account, create a free one now! An account gives you access to all Aleteia articles and the opportunity to comment.

Already a member?
Write a comment
https://s.gravatar.com/avatar/d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e?s=50
Gwen Malm
2024-06-01 09:39

This Acapella group is AMAZING! “What a Wonderful World” was a song that my then five-year old son and his daycare group sang and signed to. I was so touched and teared up because they were so cute and did so well. When my son got married, he chose this song as our Mother/Son dance song. My beloved Dominic died on Dec 16, 2019, at the Mayo Clinic at the age of 35. He loved other Acapella groups like Pentatonix. His wife even played him some of their music in the ICU. Kings Return would have been one of his favorite. I know it. I was meant to open this article. I trust my boy’s soul is in Heaven now, and I am sure he knows about Kings Return even though not when he was here on Earth. God bless Kings Return and thank you for your BEAUTIFUL music! +JMJ+