How Great Thou Art Lyrics: Meaning & Story Behind The Hymn
Hey guys! Ever wondered about the story behind the soul-stirring hymn, "How Great Thou Art"? Or maybe you're just looking for the lyrics to sing along? You've come to the right place! This article isn't just a lyric sheet; it's a journey into the heart of this beloved hymn, exploring its history, meaning, and why it continues to resonate with people across the globe. We'll break down each verse and chorus, ensuring you grasp the profound message embedded within. So, let's dive in and discover the greatness of "How Great Thou Art" together!
The Lyrics to How Great Thou Art
Okay, let's get straight to the heart of the matter – the lyrics! Here they are, in all their glory:
Verse 1:
O Lord my God, When I in awesome wonder Consider all the worlds Thy Hands have made; I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder, Thy power throughout the universe displayed
Chorus:
Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee, How great Thou art, How great Thou art! Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee, How great Thou art, How great Thou art!
Verse 2:
When through the woods and forest glades I wander And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees, When I look down from lofty mountain grandeur And hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze;
Chorus:
Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee, How great Thou art, How great Thou art! Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee, How great Thou art, How great Thou art!
Verse 3:
And when I think that God, His Son not sparing, Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in; That on the Cross, my burden gladly bearing, He bled and died to take away my sin;
Chorus:
Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee, How great Thou art, How great Thou art! Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee, How great Thou art, How great Thou art!
Verse 4:
When Christ shall come with shout of acclamation And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart! Then I shall bow in humble adoration, And there proclaim, My God, how great Thou art!
Chorus:
Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee, How great Thou art, How great Thou art! Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee, How great Thou art, How great Thou art!
Unpacking the Meaning: Verse by Verse
Now that we have the lyrics, let's delve deeper into their meaning. Each verse paints a vivid picture, evoking a sense of awe and reverence for God's creation and sacrifice. Understanding the nuances of each verse will help you connect with the hymn on a more profound level.
Verse 1: Awe and Wonder in Creation
In this opening verse, the singer expresses their utter awe and wonder at the vastness of God's creation. The phrase "When I in awesome wonder" immediately sets the tone for the entire hymn. It's not just a casual observation; it's a deep, spiritual realization of the power and majesty of God. The lyrics mention specific aspects of creation: "all the worlds Thy Hands have made," "the stars," and "the rolling thunder." These aren't just pretty images; they represent the immense scale and power of the universe, all created by God. The line "Thy power throughout the universe displayed" summarizes the central theme of this verse: God's power is evident in every corner of creation. This verse encourages us to look beyond the everyday and recognize the divine artistry that surrounds us. It’s about seeing the fingerprints of God in the natural world, from the smallest flower to the most distant galaxy. It's a call to contemplate the sheer magnitude of God's creative power and to acknowledge His presence in the world around us. This verse perfectly captures the feeling of being overwhelmed by the sheer scale and beauty of the universe and recognizing the divine hand that shaped it all. It's an invitation to pause, reflect, and appreciate the incredible world we live in and the God who made it.
Verse 2: Nature's Symphony and Gentle Reminders
Moving into verse 2, the focus shifts from the grand scale of the universe to the more intimate beauty of nature. The singer wanders through "woods and forest glades," listening to the "birds sing sweetly in the trees." This paints a picture of peaceful contemplation, a personal connection with the natural world. The lyrics then expand to include "lofty mountain grandeur" and the gentle sounds of a "brook" and "breeze." This contrast between the towering mountains and the gentle breeze highlights the diversity of God's creation, showcasing both its majesty and its tranquility. The phrase "feel the gentle breeze" adds a tactile element, making the experience even more vivid and personal. This verse reminds us that God's presence isn't just in the spectacular displays of power, like thunder and stars, but also in the quiet moments of nature. It's about finding God in the details, in the simple beauty of a bird's song or the refreshing touch of the wind. This verse encourages us to step away from the noise and busyness of life and to reconnect with nature, to find solace and inspiration in the world around us. It’s a reminder that God’s artistry is not limited to grand landscapes but is also present in the delicate details of everyday life. By immersing ourselves in nature, we can gain a deeper appreciation for God's creativity and find a sense of peace and connection with the divine. The imagery in this verse is incredibly evocative, transporting the listener to a serene natural setting where they can feel close to God.
Verse 3: The Ultimate Sacrifice and Unfathomable Love
Verse 3 takes a profound turn, shifting the focus from creation to redemption. This verse tackles the core of Christian theology: the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The lyrics express the singer's awe and wonder at the thought that "God, His Son not sparing, Sent Him to die." This is the heart of the hymn's emotional power. The phrase "I scarce can take it in" perfectly captures the magnitude of this sacrifice. It's almost too much to comprehend – that God would willingly send His Son to die for humanity's sins. The verse then highlights the purpose of this sacrifice: "That on the Cross, my burden gladly bearing, He bled and died to take away my sin." This is a powerful statement of faith and gratitude. It acknowledges the singer's sinfulness and expresses thanks for Christ's willingness to bear the burden of that sin. The words "gladly bearing" emphasize the selfless nature of Christ's sacrifice. He wasn't forced to do it; He willingly chose to die for us. This verse is a powerful reminder of the depth of God's love for humanity. It's a love so profound that He was willing to sacrifice His own Son to redeem us. It's a love that is both humbling and inspiring. This verse challenges us to consider the enormity of Christ's sacrifice and to respond with gratitude and devotion. It's a call to reflect on the meaning of the Cross and to embrace the forgiveness and redemption that it offers. The emotional impact of this verse is undeniable, as it delves into the very core of Christian belief and the profound love that underpins it.
Verse 4: Hope for the Future and Eternal Adoration
Finally, verse 4 looks forward to the future, to the second coming of Christ and the promise of eternal life. The lyrics describe the anticipation of "When Christ shall come with shout of acclamation And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart!" This is a verse filled with hope and joy. It speaks of the ultimate reunion with Christ and the fulfillment of the Christian faith. The phrase "shout of acclamation" suggests a triumphant and glorious return. The image of being taken "home" evokes a sense of comfort and belonging. The verse then describes the singer's response to this glorious event: "Then I shall bow in humble adoration, And there proclaim, My God, how great Thou art!" This is a powerful image of worship and devotion. It suggests that in the presence of Christ, our natural response will be to bow down in adoration and to acknowledge His greatness. This verse ties back to the chorus, reinforcing the central theme of the hymn: the greatness of God. It promises a future where we will be able to fully and eternally express our worship and adoration. This verse is a source of comfort and hope for believers. It reminds us that our earthly struggles are temporary and that there is a glorious future awaiting us in the presence of God. It’s an encouragement to live our lives in anticipation of Christ's return and to strive to live in a way that is pleasing to Him. The finality of this verse provides a powerful sense of closure to the hymn, leaving the listener with a feeling of hope and anticipation.
The Chorus: A Soul's Declaration
The chorus of "How Great Thou Art" is the heart of the hymn, the emotional crescendo that ties all the verses together. It's a simple yet powerful declaration of faith: "Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee, How great Thou art, How great Thou art!" This chorus is a direct expression of worship and adoration. The phrase "Then sings my soul" suggests a deep, heartfelt response to the realization of God's greatness. It's not just singing with the voice; it's singing with the entire being. The repetition of "How great Thou art" emphasizes the magnitude of God's glory. It's a statement that is both simple and profound, capturing the essence of the hymn's message. The chorus serves as a refrain, a constant reminder of the greatness of God throughout the hymn. It's a moment of collective worship, where singers around the world join their voices in a unified declaration of faith. This chorus is more than just a catchy tune; it's a powerful expression of the human soul's longing for God. It's a moment of connection with the divine, a recognition of the awe-inspiring power and love of God. The simplicity of the lyrics makes it accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or beliefs. It’s a universal expression of faith and adoration that resonates deeply with listeners. The chorus is the emotional anchor of the hymn, bringing the listener back to the central theme of God's greatness after each verse.
