She started working as a junior doctor in the Belfast Hospital, but in 1988 she was invited to form a band with Dave Fitzgerald and Dave Bainbridge. In 1989, Joanne stopped practicing medicine and Iona was born. Since then, Joanna has sung all over Europe and America. Iona's recordings have become successful worldwide, making them Europe's best selling contemporary Christian band.
Hogg recorded her first solo album, Looking Into Light, in 1999. Her vocals were featured in the role-playing games Xenogears (for the Sony PlayStation) and Xenosaga (for the Sony PlayStation 2). She sang the English versions of Star of Tears and Small Two of Pieces from Xenogears, and Pain and Kokoro from Xenosaga. Star of Tears was featured on the 2-disc Xenogears: Original Soundtrack; however, the song is not normally accessible in the game. Hogg collaborated with several artists for the album New Irish Hymns and provided the female vocals on both solo releases from Troy Donockley.
I Wonder As I Wander
Joanne Hogg Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Out under the sky
Why Jesus my Savior
Did come for to die
For poor simple people
Like you and like her?
I wonder as I wander
Out under the sky
When Mary birthed Jesus
'Twas in a cow stall
With Wise Men and farmers
And shephers anon
But high from God's Heaven
A star's light did fall
And the promise of ages
It then did we call
If Jesus had wanted
For anything
A star in the sky
Or a bird of the wing
Or all of God's angels
In Heaven for to sing
He surely could've have it
Because He was the King
Joanne Hogg's song "I Wonder As I Wander" paints a picture of a person standing in awe of the sacrifice that Jesus made for humanity. In the first verse, the singer is questioning why Jesus, their savior, had to die for "poor simple people" like them. They are wandering out under the sky, perhaps feeling small and insignificant in the grand scheme of things, but still in wonder at the magnitude of Jesus' selflessness.
The second verse tells of Jesus' humble birth in a cow stall surrounded by wise men, farmers, and shepherds. The star that shone above him was a symbol of the promise of ages, and the song hints at the idea that Jesus' birth was a momentous event that would change the course of history.
The final verse speaks to Jesus' power and authority. If he had wanted anything - a star in the sky, a bird in the air, the voices of all God's angels - he could have had it. The singer acknowledges that Jesus is the king, and as such, he possesses everything and has control over all things.
Overall, "I Wonder As I Wander" is a contemplative piece that invites the listener to reflect on the significance of Jesus' sacrifice and the magnitude of his power.
Line by Line Meaning
I wonder as I wander
I contemplate while I walk aimlessly
Out under the sky
While I am outside with no roof above my head
Why Jesus my Savior
What is the reason that Jesus, my deliverer
Did come for to die
Came to Earth with intention to give up his life
For poor simple people
For individuals who are impoverished and unpretentious
Like you and like her?
Similar to both yourself and herself
When Mary birthed Jesus
During the time when Mary gave birth to Jesus
'Twas in a cow stall
It was in a stable that cows reside in
With Wise Men and farmers
In the company of intelligent individuals and farmers
And shephers anon
As well as soon after shepherds arrived
But high from God's Heaven
However, from up in God's realm
A star's light did fall
Light from a bright celestial body descended upon them
And the promise of ages
This was a long-awaited guarantee
It then did we call
Which we then referred to
If Jesus had wanted
Had Jesus desired
For anything
Anything at all
A star in the sky
The sight of a shooting star
Or a bird of the wing
Or any flying creature
Or all of God's angels
Even every one of God's heavenly messengers
In Heaven for to sing
To sing praises in the heavens
He surely could've have it
Then he would have easily acquired it
Because He was the King
Since he was the great ruler of all
Contributed by Isabelle Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Fuyufuyu
on Stars of Tears - Xenogears
I am from Japan, and this is the most heart moving and surprisingly nice music I heard at the end of last century. Thank you for this celestial gem of music!