Wonderful World

Sam Cooke

About Wonderful World

"Wonderful World" (occasionally referred to as "(What A) Wonderful World") is a song by American singer-songwriter Sam Cooke. Music arrangement was by the prolific Belford Hendricks who also wrote the arrangements for the songs "You Send Me", "Cupid", "Chain Gang","(I Love You) For Sentimental Reasons", and "A Change Is Gonna Come". Released on April 14, 1960, by Keen Records, it had been recorded during an impromptu session the previous year in March 1959, at Sam Cooke's last recording session at Keen. He signed with RCA Victor in 1960 and "Wonderful World," then unreleased, was issued as a single in competition. The song was mainly composed by songwriting team Lou Adler and Herb Alpert, but Cooke revised the lyrics to mention the subject of education more. "Wonderful World" ended up doing substantially better on the charts than several of his early RCA singles, becoming his biggest hit single since "You Send Me" (1957). The song peaked at number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 and hit number two on Billboard's Hot R&B Sides chart. 


Year:
1962
2:05
599 
#1

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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

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 that 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 tryin' 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

History
Biology
Science book
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

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Sam Cooke

Samuel Cook (January 22, 1931 – December 11, 1964), better known under the stage name Sam Cooke, was an American gospel, R&B, soul, and pop singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur. He is considered to be one of the pioneers and founders of soul music. He is commonly known as the King of Soul for his distinctive vocal abilities and influence on the modern world of music. His contribution in pioneering soul music led to the rise of Aretha Franklin, Bobby Womack, Al Green, Curtis Mayfield, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, and popularized the likes of Otis Redding and James Brown. more »

7 fans

Written by: Herb Alpert, Lou Adler, Sam Cooke

Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


11 facts about this song

Song History
"Wonderful World" was released by Sam Cooke in 1960 as a single from the album "The wonderful world of Sam Cooke".
Song Composition
Cooke composed the song along with a prolific songwriter team of Lou Adler and Herb Alpert.
Chart Success
Although it didn't reach the expected initial success, it eventually climbed to No.12 on the Billboard Hot 100 and reached No.2 on Billboard's R&B chart in the US.
Cover Versions
The song has been covered numerous times by various artists over the years, including Herman's Hermits and Art Garfunkel.
Media Appearances
"Wonderful World" gained increased popularity when it was used in the 1978 film "Animal House". It later made appearances in films such as "Witness" and "Innerspace".
Posthumous Recognition
After Cooke's death, the song "Wonderful World" continued to gain recognition. It was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2013, more than 50 years after its release.
Unusual Lyrics
The lyrics of the song were unique, because instead of focusing on love or money like most popular songs of the era, "Wonderful World" spoke about how the singer didn't know much about history, biology, or science.
Impact on Sam Cooke's Career
Though Cooke had already seen success before "Wonderful World," the song is often credited with solidifying his place in the music industry and augmenting his fan base.
Controversy
Despite the song's popularity, it was somewhat controversial. Cooke, as an African American singer, was making a subtle commentary on the inadequate education system available for black students in the 1960s United States.
Symbol of Civil Rights Era
Since Cooke himself was a strong advocate for civil rights, "Wonderful World," when analyzed, is often viewed as a symbol of the 1960s civil rights era.
Song Ownership
The song's rights have changed several times over the years; however, ABKCO Music & Records owns the rights currently.

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    Wonderful World

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1960

    Billboard #12


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