Since his first solo project in 1983, Smith has become one of the most popular artists in the contemporary Christian music world, while also finding considerable success in the mainstream. Smith has frequently topped both Christian radio and Billboard charts and is often listed as one of the top keyboardists in rock and roll in Keyboard Magazine. Smith has sold more than 13 million records and has had 29 #1 hit songs. By 2005, he had garnered 14 gold records and 5 platinum records, 40 Dove Awards, an American Music Award and 3 Grammy Awards. He was also named one of People magazine's most beautiful people.
The Glory Songfacts reports that recorded with a 65-piece London orchestra, Glory is Christian musician Michael W. Smith’s seventeenth studio album and his second instrumental record. It was released November 22, 2011. His first instrumental album was Freedom, which was released November 21, 2000.
Memoirs: A Trilogy The Voice Good King Wenceslaus Hark the Herald Angels Sing
Michael W. Smith Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
When the snow lay round about, deep and crisp and even.
Brightly shone the moon that night, though the frost was cruel,
When a poor man came in sight, gathering winter fuel.
Hither page and stand by me if thou know'st it telling
Yonder peasant, who is he, where and what his dwelling?
Sire, he lives a good league hence, underneath the mountain,
Bring me flesh and bring me wine, bring me pine logs hither
Thou and I will see him dine when we bear them thither
Page and monarch forth they went, forth they went together
Through the rude winds wild lament, and the bitter weather.
Sire the night is darker now, and the wind blows stronger
Fails my heart, I know not how, I can go no longer.
Mark my footsteps my good page, tread thou in them boldly
Thou shalt find the winter's rage freeze thy blood less coldly.
In his master's steps he trod where the snow lay dinted
Heat was in the very sod which the saint had printed
Therefore Christian men be sure, wealth or rank possessing,
Ye who now will bless the poor, shall yourselves find blessing.
The lyrics to Michael W. Smith's song "Memoirs: A Trilogy/The Voice/Good King Wenceslaus/Hark The Herald Angels Sing" are a combination of three traditional Christmas songs with the addition of a narrative framework. One of these songs is "Good King Wenceslaus," which tells the story of a king who goes out on the feast of Stephen (the day after Christmas) and encounters a poor man gathering winter fuel. Despite the harsh weather conditions, the king decides to bring the man food and logs for his fire. The king's page is hesitant to come along because of the difficult journey, but the king encourages him to follow in his footsteps and tread boldly.
The message of "Good King Wenceslaus" is one of generosity and compassion for the less fortunate. The king's actions reflect the spirit of Christmas by showing kindness and mercy to others. The lyrics also emphasize the importance of following in the footsteps of those who have come before us, particularly those who have left a positive mark on the world.
Overall, the combination of these traditional Christmas songs with the added narrative of "Memoirs" creates a powerful message about the true meaning of Christmas – love, kindness, and compassion for all.
Line by Line Meaning
Good King Wenceslaus looked out on the feast of Stephen.
King Wenceslaus observed the night of Saint Stephen.
When the snow lay round about, deep and crisp and even.
The snow covered the land smoothly and completely.
Brightly shone the moon that night, though the frost was cruel,
The moon illuminated the night despite the harshness of the cold.
When a poor man came in sight, gathering winter fuel.
A less fortunate man was seen gathering materials to keep himself warm.
Hither page and stand by me if thou know'st it telling
Come here my squire, stand by me and tell me what you know.
Yonder peasant, who is he, where and what his dwelling?
Who is that peasant over yonder, where does he live and what does he do?
Sire, he lives a good league hence, underneath the mountain,
My lord, he lives a considerable distance away, under the mountain.
Right against the forest fence, by Saint Agnes' fountain.
On the edge of the forest, right next to Saint Agnes' fountain.
Bring me flesh and bring me wine, bring me pine logs hither
Fetch for me meat, wine and pine logs.
Thou and I will see him dine when we bear them thither
We will watch him dine when we take these supplies to him.
Page and monarch forth they went, forth they went together
The squire and king went forth together.
Through the rude winds wild lament, and the bitter weather.
Through the harsh winds and weather they journeyed.
Sire the night is darker now, and the wind blows stronger
My lord, it is getting darker and the wind is much stronger now.
Fails my heart, I know not how, I can go no longer.
My heart is failing, I cannot continue anymore.
Mark my footsteps my good page, tread thou in them boldly
Follow my steps closely my squire, walk in them bravely.
Thou shalt find the winter's rage freeze thy blood less coldly.
You'll notice that the coldness is less severe while walking in my steps.
In his master's steps he trod where the snow lay dinted
The squire followed his master's footsteps where they had left marks in the snow.
Heat was in the very sod which the saint had printed
The ground that had been touched by Saint Wenceslaus was still warm.
Therefore Christian men be sure, wealth or rank possessing,
As Christians, whether wealthy or not,
Ye who now will bless the poor, shall yourselves find blessing.
Whoever blesses the poor will find blessings themselves.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: SMITH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Elsa Chapa Mendoza
on Above All
i love it thank you so much god is good !!