Mighty Clouds of Joy was formed in 1954 and started out in a tradition-based style. Eventually they added soul, R&B, and rock flourishes into their musical mix (one of their early hits was produced by Gamble and Huff) without diluting the essential religious essence of their material. The long-lived group flourished throughout the rest of the 20th century, scoring numerous Grammy Awards and nominations, as well as several hit albums along the way.
Based in Los Angeles, California, the original group members include Joe Ligon (d. 2016), Johnny Martin (d. 1987), Ermant Franklin Jr., Artis Turnbough (d. 1999), Elmo Franklin (d. 2008), Richard Wallace, Leon Polk and David Walker (who also recorded several tracks with Link Wray under the name Bunker Hill).
Also performed as: The Mighty Mighty Clouds of Joy, Joe Ligon & the Mighty Clouds of Joy
What A Wonderful God
Mighty Clouds Of Joy Lyrics
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(What a wonderful god he is).
What a wonderful god he is.
I can't thank him enough for all he's done;
(What a) wonderful god he is.
When I looked back over my life
And I can thank him from whence I came from;
And he kept me from the rain.
When I felt like giving up,
He was always there for me,
Not one time did he leave me alone;
He's been a mighty good friend to me.
He's a wonderful god,
He's a wonderful.
He's a wonderful god,
So wonderful.
The Mighty Clouds Of Joy’s song, “What A Wonderful God,” conveys the joy and gratitude that comes from recognizing the many ways in which God has provided and protected us throughout our lives. The chorus repeats the eponymous phrase, extolling the greatness of this deity. The singer is overwhelmed with appreciation and cannot express enough how amazing God is. In the second stanza, the songwriter reflects on their personal journey and recalls moments of adversity which could have broken them but were overcome with God’s help. The lyrics touch on the idea of ‘testimony’ often present in the black church tradition – a personal account of one’s experiences with God’s grace, mercy and love.
The Mighty Clouds Of Joy’s “What A Wonderful God,” was released in 1979 on the album, “Kickin’." Here are some facts about the song:
Line by Line Meaning
Chorus
The repeating phrase of the song, which appreciates the attributes of God and expresses gratitude towards his deeds.
What a wonderful god he is.
An expression of awe towards the almighty God and his wonderful nature.
I can't thank him enough for all he's done;
A recognition of the generosity of God and an expression of gratitude towards him for all his deeds.
(What a) wonderful god he is.
A repetition of the earlier phrase, emphasizing the wonderful nature of God.
When I looked back over my life
A reflection on one's past experiences and the realization of God's presence and guidance throughout.
And I can thank him from whence I came from;
Gratitude towards God for one's origin and being grateful for his presence in one's life.
He brought me through the storm
An appreciation of God's protection and guidance through difficult times in life.
And he kept me from the rain.
Acknowledgment of God for protecting and keeping one from harm or trouble.
When I felt like giving up,
A recognition of the moments of hopelessness and despair and the reliance on God to overcome them.
He was always there for me,
An expression of God's constant presence and support in one's life.
Not one time did he leave me alone;
An assurance of God's faithfulness and constancy in one's life.
He's been a mighty good friend to me.
An analogy of God's love and care towards his followers, akin to the bond of friendship.
He's a wonderful god,
Reiteration of God's wonderful and divine nature.
He's a wonderful.
A final statement acknowledging the greatness and glory of God.
Contributed by Lincoln P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.