Black’s “Wonderful Life” Lyrics Meaning

On one hand, “Wonderful Life” can be labeled as sarcastic, and on another it can be viewed as the singer trying to make the best out of life, as in maintaining an optimistic disposition. This track was actually founded in the artist going through a very-trying period where he had recently gone through a divorce, amongst other issues. And the lyrics have him celebrating and lamenting simultaneously.

You can view the lyrics, alternate interprations and sheet music for Black's Wonderful Life at Lyrics.org.

He is appreciative of life in its entirety, as in having the opportunity to behold the beauty of nature. But at the same time, he is suffering from loneliness and depression. In fact it seems quite obvious that he is making a conscientious effort to remind himself that it is indeed “a wonderful, wonderful life”. He apparently does this in order to prevent cowering in the face of the challenges which confront him and buckling under pressure in general.

Lyrics of "Wonderful Life"

Facts about “Wonderful Life”

  • “Wonderful Life” was initially released by Ugly Man Records in 1986. In that particular instance it managed to reach number 72 on the UK Singles Chart.
  • It was subsequently re-released by A&M Records in 1987. This outing proved to be much-more successful, as the track then peaked at number 8 on the UK Singles Chart. Furthermore, it broke the top 10 in several places such as Australia, France and the Netherlands.
  • The 1987 release of this classic was featured on Black’s debut album, also entitled Wonderful Life. It also made an appearance on the soundtrack on the 2006 comedy film Starter for 10.
  • The music video to “Wonderful Life” was shot at three different locations in England. And these locations are: New Brighton Lighthouse, Southport (Merseyside) and Wallasey.

Who wrote “Wonderful Life”?

This song was written by Colin Vearncombe (aka Black) and produced by Dave Dix.

Black accredits the creation of this song to the dissolution of his first marriage. He considers the fact that he derived massive success from such a tragedy “another one of life’s rich ironies”.

6 Responses

  1. Naghiyev says:

    when i listened that magical and amazing music for the first time i had feeling that , this was a sarcasm. It must had been something that made Author to compose that magical song. I felt he had the huge sorrow.

    • radu says:

      There is very little sarcasm in this song, this is about the moment when things turn inside you. This moment of change is a bit uncertain, still the message Its a wonderful life sounds true.

  2. Chris Verra says:

    Black als een Black- Hole.
    .deze duistere kant van de oer-kracht die de eeuwige strijd tussen licht en donker vertolkt…dit manifesteert zich namelijk ook in de ego van de mens

  3. Hamster says:

    First saw the video 1987. Immediately captivated by it. Slow motion, elderly people on an English pier. Perfect combination. Still love it 35 years later

  4. Elliot D says:

    I don’t think it’s sarcasm. A better word is irony.

  5. Elvin says:

    This song gives me power to keep it on

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