How Great Thou Art
Elvis Presley with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Lyrics

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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

When Christ shall come
With a 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

Then sings my soul
My savior God to thee (my God to thee)
How great thou art (how great thou art)
How great thou art (how great thou art)
Then sings my soul
My savior God to thee (my God to thee)
How great thou art
(How great thou art)

How great thou art

(How great thou art)
How great thou art (how great thou art)

Overall Meaning

The song How Great Thou Art by Elvis Presley with The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra is a beautiful ode to nature's majesty and the infinite power of God. The opening verse refers to the natural world, and the awe-inspiring feeling that comes from contemplating the handiwork of a divine creator. The lyrics present an image of the universe as a vast, complex, and beautiful creation, filled with stars and thunder. The theme of awe and reverence is echoed in the final verse, where the singer contemplates the prospect of meeting his creator after death. The joy and humility expressed in the lyrics reflect the singer's deep faith and gratitude, elevating the song beyond mere entertainment to a spiritual experience.

The chorus of the song, sung by a full orchestra, is powerful and emotional. The soaring notes and harmonies are meant to evoke a sense of wonder and reverence in the listener, inspiring them to join in the celebration of God's greatness. The repetition of the phrase "How Great Thou Art" serves as a reminder of the infinite majesty of God, and invites the listener to join in the chorus of praise.

Line by Line Meaning

Oh Lord my God
Acknowledging God as the person is praying

When I in awesome wonder
Pondering with awe the majesty of God's creation

Consider all
Reflecting on the entirety of creation

The worlds thy hands have made
Everything in the universe that was created by God

I see the stars
Observing the stars in the sky

I hear the rolling thunder
Hearing the powerful sounds of thunder

Thy power throughout
God's power is evident in everything

The universe displayed
Creation showing God's power and glory

When Christ shall come
Anticipating the arrival of Jesus Christ

With a shout of acclamation
Christ declaring praise or approval upon arrival

And take me home
Being taken to heaven by Christ