The Mormon Tabernacle Choir is made up of some 360 men and women, all of whom are volunteers. There are many husband-wife combinations and many families have participated in the choir for generations. Choir members are currently limited to twenty years of participation, allowing new members to join the choir on a regular basis.
The choir was founded in August 1847, one month after the Mormon Pioneers entered the Salt Lake Valley. The choir is completely self-funded, traveling and producing albums to support their organization. Choir members are not paid for their participation or performances.
Although the choir has traditionally been recognized for its sound quality, the most recent director, Craig Jessop, a student of Robert Shaw, has made changes designed to improve the overall quality of the choir. Jessop's efforts to add vitality to the choir's sound include the formation of The Orchestra at Temple Square, the 2005 addition of The Bells on Temple Square (a hand bell choir), and continual refinement of the choir's tone, enunciation, and repetoire. The minimum age for participation has been reduced from 30 to 25. In addition, new choir members participate in The Temple Square Chorale training choir, a combination music theory/performance school led by associate director and composer/arranger Mack Wilberg.
A Boy IS Born
Mormon Tabernacle Choir Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Unto us a Son is given,
For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given,
For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given,
And the government shall be upon His shoulder;
And his name shall be called Wonderful Counsellor,
The Everlasting Father,
The Prince of Peace.
For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given,
For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given,
And the government shall be upon His shoulder;
And his name shall be called Wonderful Counsellor,
The Mighty God,
The Everlasting Father,
The Prince of Peace.
For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given,
And the government shall be upon His shoulder;
And his name shall be called Wonderful Counsellor,
The Mighty God,
The Everlasting Father,
The Prince of Peace.
For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given,
And the government shall be upon His shoulder;
And his name shall be called Wonderful Counsellor,
The Mighty God,
The Everlasting Father,
The Prince of Peace.
The Everlasting Father,
The Prince of Peace.
The lyrics of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir's song "A Boy is Born" are a proclamation of the birth of Jesus Christ, as prophesied in the Bible. The repetition of "for unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given" emphasizes the significance of this miraculous event for humanity. The line "and the government shall be upon His shoulder" suggests that Jesus will have ultimate power and authority, further emphasizing His importance. The rest of the lyrics list some of the names given to Jesus, including "Wonderful Counsellor," "Mighty God," "Everlasting Father," and "Prince of Peace." These titles capture Jesus' divine essence, power, and the comfort He provides to His followers.
Overall, "A Boy is Born" is a reverent and celebratory song that highlights the significance of Jesus' birth for all believers. The emphasis on Jesus' power and authority suggests that this birth was not just any ordinary birth, but rather a powerful and divine event that would change the course of human history.
Line by Line Meaning
For unto us a Child is born,
The birth of a child brings hope and joy to our lives.
Unto us a Son is given,
We receive the gift of a son, someone who will lead us and guide us.
And the government shall be upon His shoulder;
He will shoulder the responsibility of leading our government.
And his name shall be called Wonderful Counsellor,
He will provide wise and insightful counsel for us to follow.
The Mighty God,
He possesses great power and strength beyond our understanding.
The Everlasting Father,
He will care for us and provide us with everlasting love and support.
The Prince of Peace.
He will bring peace to our troubled world.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Kirby Shaw / George F. Handel / William C. Dix, The Mormon Tabernacle Choir
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@nanikdasani4547
For unto us a child is born
To us a son is giv'n
The government shall rest on him
Th' anointed one from heav'n
His name is Wonderful Counselor
The Mighty God is he
The Everlasting Father
The humble Prince of Peace
The increase of his government
And peace shall never end
He'll reign on David's ancient throne
As ruler of all men
Upheld with justice and righteousness
Forever his kingdom will last
The zeal of the Lord God Most High
Will bring these things to pass
Lord Jesus, come now and reign in me
Be Lord of my life this hour
Come be my Counselor and my God
My source of wisdom and power
Watch o'er me with your Father care
My heart and my mind, fill with peace
I worship you, my Lord and King
My praise will never cease
@blairariavanderkamp3405
This IS THE BEST choir on earth!! No other choir sings like the Mormons. They deserve a standing ovation every single time!!!! And their orchestra ties in perfectly too!!!
@nildabohimo9002
Definitely 🎉
@bestill365
I heard them live a few times, and it's an experience I won't ever forget.
@barbarafarnsworth4800
Maybe the reason we get chills when we hear them is because they are not just singing a song, they are bearing their testimonies of the Savior, Jesus Christ.
@cecilb5124
I don't care what your personal faith is, you have to admit that this is absolutely beautiful.. I get chills every time I listen to it!
@mhmorris2018
God BLESS us❤️❤️❤️ this literally feels like we are experiencing a beautiful glimpse of heaven’s joy and pure love❤️❤️❤️ chills all over
@TheRozberry
Me too.
@judithmunn7482
Yes, I agree with original comment!
@patriciasturm1290
I'm Jewish and LOVE Handel's Messiah. To me, it Praises the eternal God, creator of us all
@JonsonUhuy
When I was young I joined father Smith's choir to sing this beautiful song.Now I am already old.I Always feel proud everytime I listen to this song.Praise the Lord Jesus !