About the Song
Oh Lord my God, a Song of Wonder: Elvis Presley’s “How Great Thou Art”
Gather ’round, friends, and let your hearts take flight on a journey of faith and feeling. We’re stepping back in time, to a place where the king of rock ‘n’ roll, the man himself, Elvis Presley, donned a different kind of crown – a crown of devotion. Today, we celebrate his hymn to the heavens, his song of awe and adoration: “How Great Thou Art.”
Now, some might raise an eyebrow, thinking Elvis and gospel don’t quite mix. But this is where the magic happens. You see, beneath the glitz and swagger, Elvis carried a deep well of faith, nurtured by his Mama Gladys and the Southern gospel music that filled his childhood. It was a well he often dipped into, finding solace and strength in its melodies.
And what a melody “How Great Thou Art” possesses! It’s a gentle giant, a ballad that unfolds like a sunrise, painting the sky with awe and wonder. Elvis’s voice, that smooth baritone that could melt hearts and ignite dance floors, takes on a new depth here. It’s hushed, reverent, carrying the weight of the lyrics with a quiet power.
The words themselves, penned by the Swedish poet Carl Boberg in the 1880s, are a masterpiece of devotion. They speak of the immense beauty of creation, the vastness of the universe, and the overwhelming power of God. Elvis, with his innate understanding of storytelling, delivers them with a sincerity that cuts through any doubt. He’s not just singing; he’s experiencing, sharing his own faith with every note.
And there’s something about hearing “How Great Thou Art” sung by Elvis that resonates with folks of a certain age. It’s a song that evokes memories of Sunday mornings in church pews, the smell of hymnbooks and the warmth of community. It’s a song that speaks to the questions and fears that have lingered in our hearts since childhood, offering a simple, yet profound, answer: God is great, and He loves us.
So, close your eyes, dear friends, and let Elvis’s voice wash over you. Let the words seep into your soul, reminding you of the wonder that surrounds us, the love that sustains us. This is not just a song; it’s a prayer, a whisper of gratitude, a testament to the enduring power of faith. This is Elvis Presley’s “How Great Thou Art,” and it’s a song that will stay with you long after the final note fades away.
Video
Lyrics
Oh 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
Then I shall bow in humble adoration
And there proclaim, my God, how great thou art
Then sings my soul, my savior God, to thee
How great thou art (How great thou art)
How great thou art (How great thout art)
Then sings my soul, my savior God, to thee
How great thou art
How great thou art