“AMEN SONGS”: What a Wonderful World (Louis Armstrong)
December 11, 2024
Cantor Eyal Bitton highlights a song that connects with this year’s Congregation Neveh Shalom theme, “Amen – Be a Blessing.”
Louis Armstrong’s timeless classic “(What a) Wonderful World” is a heartfelt blessing that invites us to see the beauty and wonder in the everyday. The lyrics, filled with imagery of nature and human connection, align beautifully with “Amen – Be a Blessing,” as they inspire us to cherish life’s gifts and share that joy with others. The song’s simple yet profound message affirms that acknowledging beauty is itself an act of blessing.
Parashat Vayishlach recounts Jacob’s reunion with Esau, a moment fraught with tension yet filled with potential for reconciliation and gratitude. Just as Armstrong’s song celebrates the beauty of life, Jacob’s journey teaches us to approach relationships with humility and a sense of awe for the blessings they bring. “(What a) Wonderful World” reminds us to affirm the goodness in our world, even amidst challenges, echoing Jacob’s gratitude upon surviving his encounters.
What a Wonderful World
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 day
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 people going by
I see friends shaking hands
Saying, “How do you do?”
They’re really saying
“I love you”
