The Mormon Tabernacle Choir is a large choir of The Church of Jesus Christ … Read Full Bio ↴The Mormon Tabernacle Choir is a large choir of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the Mormons). Since July 15, 1929, the choir has performed a weekly radio broadcast called Music and the Spoken Word which is the longest-running continuous network broadcast in the world. The show has been televised since the early 1960s and is now broadcast worldwide through some 1,500 radio, television, and cable stations.

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.

I Wonder As I Wander
Mormon Tabernacle Choir Lyrics

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I wonder as I wander out under the sky
How Jesus my Saviour did come for to die
For poor on'ry people like you and like I
I wonder as I wander out under the sky
I wonder as I wander out under the sky
That Jesus my Saviour did come for to die
For poor on'ry people like you and like I
I wonder as I wander out under the sky

I wonder as I wander out under the sky

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to "I Wonder As I Wander" by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir speaks of a contemplative journey taken by the singer. The song reflects on the actions and purpose of Jesus Christ in coming to earth to die for the salvation of humanity, specifically the poor and ordinary individuals like the singer themselves. The phrase "I wonder as I wander" suggests a state of deep introspection and awe while being immersed in the vastness of the sky and the world.

The repetition of this phrase emphasizes the singer's sense of curiosity and amazement about the sacrificial love of Jesus and the significance it holds for humanity. In contemplating Jesus' sacrifice, the singer also reflects on their own existence and place in the world. The lyrics evoke a sense of humility and gratitude, acknowledging the salvation that Jesus brought and the universal reach of his message.

Overall, "I Wonder As I Wander" serves as a reminder of the profound impact Jesus' sacrifice has on individuals, regardless of their social status or circumstances. It invites listeners to reflect on their own lives and consider the love and grace that Jesus offers.

Line by Line Meaning

I wonder as I wander out under the sky
I contemplate and marvel as I roam beneath the expanse of the heavens

How Jesus my Saviour did come for to die
How remarkable it is that Jesus, my Redeemer, came to earth with the purpose of sacrificing Himself

For poor on'ry people like you and like I
For impoverished and humble individuals such as yourself and myself

I wonder as I wander out under the sky
I continue to ponder and journey beneath the vast sky

I wonder as I wander out under the sky
I contemplate and marvel as I roam beneath the expanse of the heavens

That Jesus my Saviour did come for to die
It is truly astonishing that Jesus, my Redeemer, came to earth with the purpose of sacrificing Himself

For poor on'ry people like you and like I
For impoverished and humble individuals such as yourself and myself

I wonder as I wander out under the sky
I continue to ponder and journey beneath the vast sky

Lyrics © BARRY WALSH MUSIC, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: John Niles, Barry Walsh, Gretchen Peters

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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