I wonder as I wander
Lori Pappajohn Lyrics
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How jesus, the savior, had come for to die
For poor on'ry people, like you and like i.
I wonder as I wander out under the sky.
When mary birthed jesus, t'was in a cow's stall
With wisemen and farmers and shepherds and all,
But high in god's heaven a star's light did fall,
If jesus had wanted for any wee thing
A star in the sky or a bird on the wing
Or all of god's angels in heaven for to sing
He surely could have it, for he was the king!
I wonder as I wander out under the sky
How jesus, the savior, had come for to die
For poor on'ry people like you and like i.
I wonder as I wander out under the sky.
The lyrics to Lori Pappajohn's "I Wonder As I Wander" describe the singer's contemplation of the sacrifice that Jesus made for humanity. The opening verse expresses wonder and awe at the concept that Jesus came to Earth to die for the salvation of poor and ordinary people. The following verse describes the humble circumstances of Jesus' birth, with Mary giving birth to him in a cow's stall surrounded by shepherds, wisemen and farmers. The third verse asserts that if Jesus had wanted any material possession or fanfare during his lifetime, he could have it because he was the king.
The song is steeped in Christian theology and emphasizes the importance of Jesus' sacrifice for human salvation. The "wandering" in the song suggests not aimlessly wandering, but rather wandering in contemplation of the divine. The opening lyrics suggest that the singer is "wandering" in the outdoors -- perhaps looking up at the vast expanse of the sky and wondering about the meaning of their existence.
Overall, "I Wonder As I Wander" is a solemn and reflective song that invites the listener to pause and reflect on the religious significance of Jesus' life and death.
Line by Line Meaning
I wonder as I wander out under the sky
I am filled with awe and amazement as I walk outdoors and look up at the vast expanse of the sky.
How jesus, the savior, had come for to die
I ponder on the sacrifice that Jesus, the savior of humanity, made when he came to earth to give up his life for our salvation.
For poor on'ry people, like you and like i.
I reflect on the fact that Jesus came to save not just the rich and powerful, but also poor and lowly people like myself.
When mary birthed jesus, t'was in a cow's stall
I recall the humble and simple circumstances surrounding the birth of Jesus, with Mary giving birth in a lowly cow's stall.
With wisemen and farmers and shepherds and all,
Despite the humble surroundings, wise men, farmers, and shepherds all came to pay homage to Jesus upon his birth.
But high in god's heaven a star's light did fall,
I think about the miraculous star that shone in the sky above Jesus' birth, signaling his arrival and importance.
And the promise of ages, it then did recall.
The star's appearance reminded people of the longstanding promise throughout history of a savior who would come to redeem humanity.
If jesus had wanted for any wee thing
I consider the immense power and authority that Jesus had, able to command anything he wished.
A star in the sky or a bird on the wing
If Jesus desired a star in the sky or a bird in flight, he could have easily made it happen with his power.
Or all of god's angels in heaven for to sing
Jesus could have commanded all the angels of heaven to sing his praise and glory if he so chose.
He surely could have it, for he was the king!
Jesus, as the king of all creation, had the authority and power to achieve anything he desired.
Contributed by Josiah Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.