A Supple Start to 2025 Illuminating the New Year Through Song
"Our voices are part of the cosmic harmony—singing brings us closer to the wisdom, freedom, and love that the world needs."
The start of a new year invites us to reflect, set intentions, and reconnect with what matters most. For me, singing has always been a way to ground myself in these moments—a bridge to connect with wonder, joy, and the extraordinary beauty in the ordinary.
This year, during the Holy Nights, I traveled from New York to Florida to be with family after the passing of my Aunt Dona. The journey—both physical and spiritual—brought profound moments of insight. Through conversations with my mother, the changing landscapes, and the timeless rhythm of the road, I was reminded of the power of connection and the beauty of life. Singing became a way to process and embrace these experiences, holding space for both sorrow and joy.
In this spirit, I invite you to join me in exploring Louis Armstrong’s What a Wonderful World. This timeless song is more than a melody; it’s a celebration of life’s quiet miracles—a gentle yet powerful call to pause, notice, and honor the world around us.
A Personal Connection
This song holds a special place in my heart, not only for its universal message but for its deep connection to my own family. My dad and uncle both cherished What a Wonderful World. It wasn’t just a song they loved; it was an anthem that reflected their spirit and outlook on life. Hearing it always takes me back to moments of warmth, laughter, and their shared joy in the simple wonders of the world.
Singing this song now feels like a way to honor them and their legacy. It reminds me of the gratitude they carried for the beauty of life, even in the face of challenges. Their love for this song inspires me to carry that same gratitude into my own life and share it with others.
“What a Wonderful World”: A Song for These Times
When What a Wonderful World was written in 1967, the world was in a state of upheaval. War, civil unrest, and division filled the headlines. Amid the noise and chaos, a small group of creators dared to bring something radically different into the world—a song of reverence, wonder, and hope.
Creating this song was no simple task. Louis Armstrong, a jazz legend in his twilight years, poured his soul into it despite opposition from record executives and logistical challenges. Against the backdrop of societal discord, the song’s creators held a clear vision: to unite people in appreciation of the beauty all around us, even in the midst of hardship.
Today, we find ourselves in a similar time of division and uncertainty. How can we meet this moment? Perhaps, like Armstrong and the creators of this timeless song, we can choose to listen deeply, cherish beauty, and create connections.
Why this song Matters Now
This song reminds us to notice the small miracles around us—trees of green, red roses, blue skies, and the kindness of people. It invites us to listen, not just with our ears, but with our hearts. In a time when conversations often feel like battles, this kind of listening is a radical act.
Singing this song is more than reciting its words; it’s an act of connection. When we sing, we practice listening—not just to the melody, but to ourselves, the space around us, and the tone that emerges. Valborg Werbeck-Svärdström, founder of the School of Uncovering the Voice, calls this expectant listening. It’s a way of listening that is open, curious, and free of judgment.
This kind of listening is essential for healing the divides in our world. It allows us to truly hear one another and hold space for something new to be born in our relationships.
Singing Exercises and Learning “What a Wonderful World”
Singing Exercises
Learn the Song
Sing-a-Long and Reflect
Once you’ve warmed up with the exercises and practiced the song along with me, now use the Karaoke versions below to joyfully express yourself through the song.
I’ve included two versions, the orginal key that Louis Armstrong did it in and a Female key that is easier for the ladies.
Louis’s key can sometimes be too low for ladies or too high if you try to sing it up the octive. So play around with both keys and enjoy.
And don’t forget the Bonus section below. You won’t want to miss Eva Cassidy singing this song.
Lyrics to “What a Wonderful World”
Songwriters: George David Weiss / Robert Thiele
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
I hear babies cry
I watch them grow
They'll learn much more
Than I'll ever know
And I think to myself
What a wonderful world
Yes, I think to myself
What a wonderful world
Ooh, yes
Reflecting Together
As we begin this singing journey, let’s take a moment to reflect on the beauty and wonder this song invites us to notice. Singing is not just about making sound; it’s about creating space for connection, reverence, and joy.
I’d love for us to share our experiences and reflections:
What do you notice when you take time to listen deeply—whether to the song, your own voice, or the world around you?
How does singing What a Wonderful World help you connect to gratitude, hope, or wonder?
Did any of the voice exercises or the story behind the song inspire a new perspective or feeling within you?
What moments of beauty, however small, do you want to celebrate in your own life?
Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below or message me directly by clicking here. Your reflections matter to me, and I’m here to support you.
If you’re ready to dive deeper into the joy and freedom of singing, I invite you to join me in my upcoming singing course. Together, we’ll continue exploring the beauty and power of our voices—step by step.
With love, light, and a supple voice,
Shannon
Bonus: Iconic Performances of "What a Wonderful World"
As we conclude this exploration of What a Wonderful World, I’m thrilled to share two extraordinary performances of this timeless song. These renditions, by two incredibly unique artists, capture the beauty, emotion, and hope that this song embodies.
The first performance features Louis Armstrong, whose gravelly, heartfelt voice brought the song to life in 1967. Armstrong, a jazz legend, had a career that spanned decades, breaking barriers and uniting audiences worldwide. From his groundbreaking trumpet playing to his signature warm vocals, Armstrong was a beacon of joy and resilience during challenging times. His rendition of What a Wonderful World is a testament to his ability to find beauty amidst adversity, and his recording of the song has become an enduring classic.
The second is a soulful and deeply moving interpretation by Eva Cassidy, a singer known for her emotive, transcendent voice. While Cassidy was not widely recognized during her lifetime. She lived to only age 33. Her recordings have posthumously touched millions of hearts across the globe. Her ability to blend jazz, folk, and blues influences created a unique and timeless sound, and her rendition of What a Wonderful World reflects her extraordinary gift for connecting deeply with the listener.
These performances offer two distinct yet equally profound ways of experiencing this song. I hope they inspire you to reflect on the beauty in the world and within yourself as we continue this singing journey together.
Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below—I’d love to hear which version resonates most with you and why!
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