Without preamble, here are the lyrics to the hymn How Great Thou Art.
Such a classic.
Frankly, it’s a poem I wish I had written.
After the jump!
How Great Thou Art
Written By: Carl Boberg
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.
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!
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 see the brook, and feel the gentle breeze.
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!
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.
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!
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 then proclaim: “My God, how great Thou art!”
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!
More on Author Carl Boberg:
Carl Boberg was born in Karlskrona, Sweden, on January 20, 1859. He was the son of a pastor in the Church of Sweden. Boberg studied theology at the University of Uppsala and was ordained as a minister in 1882. He served as a pastor in several parishes in Sweden before being appointed Bishop of Karlstad in 1903. He retired from the bishopric in 1914 and died in 1940.
Boberg’s early years were marked by a difficult childhood. His father died when he was only six years old, and he was raised by his mother and grandmother. Boberg showed a talent for writing at an early age, and he began writing hymns and poems while he was still a child.
Boberg’s early years were also marked by a strong interest in social justice. He was a vocal advocate for the rights of the poor and the oppressed, and he often wrote about the need for social reform. Boberg’s social activism led him to become involved in the Social Gospel movement, which advocated for social reform and justice.
Boberg’s most famous hymn, “How Great Thou Art”, was written in 1885. The hymn was inspired by a visit that Boberg made to the Alps. The hymn has been translated into over 100 languages and has been recorded by over 1,000 artists.
Boberg’s later years were marked by a decline in his health. He suffered from a number of illnesses, including heart disease and cancer. Boberg died in Karlstad, Sweden, on January 15, 1940.
Boberg was married twice. His first wife, Emma, died in 1897. He remarried in 1900 to Anna. Boberg had two children, Carl Jr. and Anna.
Boberg was a well-respected and influential figure in Swedish society. He was a gifted writer and a passionate advocate for social justice and peace. His hymns and poems continue to be enjoyed by people around the world.