Introduction:
“What a Wonderful Life” is a song performed by Elvis Presley, written by Sid Wayne and Jerry Livingston. It was first recorded on July 2, 1961, at RCA’s Studio B in Nashville during the sessions for the film Follow That Dream. The song was later released in April 1962 as part of the movie’s soundtrack, featuring Presley in the lead role. The soundtrack was also included in the EP I Got Lucky, which was released in 1971.
The song embodies a cheerful and uplifting theme, aligning with the film’s light-hearted narrative. Musically, “What a Wonderful Life” showcases Presley’s signature style, blending rock and roll with elements of pop. The recording featured notable musicians, including guitarists Hank Garland and Scotty Moore, pianist Floyd Cramer, saxophonist Boots Randolph, and backing vocals by The Jordanaires and Millie Kirkham. This combination of talent contributed to the song’s vibrant and catchy sound.
“What a Wonderful Life” is one of several tracks from Follow That Dream that highlights Presley’s evolving musical style in the early 1960s, reflecting his transition from the raw energy of the 1950s rock era to more polished pop and film-oriented releases.
Video:
Lyrics:
“What A Wonderful Life”
It’s a wonderful life
This life I’m livin’
What a wonderful life, days with a life of ease, oh-ho-oh
Well, I’ve got no job to worry me
No big bad boss to hurry me
It’s a wonderful life life’s good to meIt’s a wonderful road
This road I’m travelin’
It’s a wonderful road headin’ beyond the hills, oh-ho-oh
Oh it may go straight or it may detour
But one thing that I know for sure
It’s a wonderful life, life’s good to meDon’t know where I’m goin’
Don’t care where I’m goin’
Like the four winds are blowin’ I go on
Laughin’ the day away, lovin the night away
Till the moon is gone
It’s a wonderful life
This life I’m livin’
What a wonderful life
Livin’ the life I love, oh yeah
Well I’ve got neighbors, I’ve got friends
Just about anywhere the rainbow ends
It’s a wonderful life, life’s good to meDon’t know where I’m goin’
Don’t care where I’m goin’
Like the four winds are blowin’ I go on
Laughin’ the day away, lovin the night away
Till the moon is gone
It’s a wonderful life
This life I’m livin’
What a wonderful life
Livin’ the life I love, oh yeah
Well I’ve got neighbors, I’ve got friends
Just about anywhere the rainbow ends
It’s a wonderful life, life’s good to me
What a wonderful life, life’s good to me, yeah
Crazy life, life’s good to me
Oh what a life