Phil Wickham - What A Wonderful World Lyrics
Lyrics
I see trees of green, red roses too
I see them bloom, for me and you
And I think to myself
What a wonderful world
I see skies of blue and clouds of white
The bright blessed days and the dark sacred nights
And I think to myself
What a wonderful world
The colors of a rainbow, so pretty in the sky
Are also on the faces of the people going by
I see friends shaking hands, saying, "How do you do?"
They're really saying, "I love you"
I see friends shaking hands, saying, "How do you do?"
They're really saying, "I love you"
I hear babies cry, and I watch them grow
They'll learn much more than I'll never know
And I think to myself
What a wonderful world
Oh, I think to myself
What a wonderful world
Video
Phil Wickham - What A Wonderful World (Songs From Home) #StayHome And Worship #WithMe
Meaning & Inspiration
Phil Wickham's "What A Wonderful World," released on April 29, 2020, as part of his "Songs From Home" series, offers a profound reflection on the beauty and goodness inherent in creation, a message that resonates deeply with a spiritual perspective. While the song itself is a cover of the classic Louis Armstrong tune, Wickham imbues it with his characteristic warmth and a distinct faith-centered lens, elevating it beyond a simple appreciation of the natural world to a testament of God's handiwork. The narrative woven through the lyrics speaks to the simple yet profound observations of life – the vibrant hues of flowers, the vastness of the sky, the gentle arc of a rainbow, and the innocent expressions of human connection. These elements, when viewed through a lens of faith, become tangible reminders of a Creator who meticulously designed and sustains everything we see and experience.
The song's enduring power lies in its ability to draw parallels between the observable world and divine love, suggesting that the very beauty that surrounds us is a reflection of God's boundless grace and affection. When Wickham sings about seeing "trees of green, red roses too" and how they bloom "for me and you," it evokes a sense of personal gifting, as if each bloom is a specific, loving provision. This aligns with the biblical understanding that God's creation is not a random occurrence but a deliberate act of love, meant to be enjoyed and appreciated by humanity. Psalm 19:1 eloquently states, "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands," a verse that perfectly encapsulates the song's sentiment that the natural world is a sermon in itself, pointing to its magnificent Author. The observation of "skies of blue and clouds of white" and the transition from "bright blessed days and the dark sacred nights" speaks to the rhythm and order God has established, a consistent presence even through differing circumstances. This echoes the promise in Jeremiah 33:25, "I have established my covenant day and night and have not set the boundaries of heaven and earth," underscoring God's unchanging faithfulness.
The song beautifully transitions to human interaction, noting how the vibrant colors of a rainbow are mirrored on the faces of people. This is a powerful metaphor for the inner beauty and spirit that radiates from individuals, particularly when their interactions are characterized by genuine care. The line, "I see friends shaking hands, saying, 'How do you do?' They're really saying, 'I love you,'" is particularly poignant. It strips away superficial pleasantries to reveal the underlying human need for connection and affirmation. In a Christian context, this speaks to the commandment to love one another as Christ has loved us (John 13:34). The simple act of extending a hand and offering a greeting becomes an expression of divine love working through human hearts. Furthermore, the inclusion of "babies cry, and I watch them grow" and the acknowledgment that "they'll learn much more than I'll never know" touches upon the wonder of new life and the inherent potential God places within each soul. This reflects the biblical perspective that children are a gift from the Lord (Psalm 127:3) and that each individual is fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14). Ultimately, Phil Wickham's rendition of "What A Wonderful World" is more than just a song; it is an invitation to pause, to observe, and to find God's fingerprints in the ordinary, transforming the everyday into a testament of His enduring goodness and love, a truly spiritual and inspiring reflection on the world He has made.