I Wonder As I Wonder Easy Sheet Music
I Wonder As I Wonder Easy sheet music mandolin / banjo tab with chords and lyrics. A Christian song recorded by Lindsey Stirling among others.
I Wonder As I Wonder Easy piano sheet music with chords and mandolin tab
I Wonder As I Wander song lyrics Lyrics
The hymn 'I Wonder As I Wonder' has been a beloved and enduring piece of religious music since its composition in the early 20th century. Its poignant lyrics and captivating melody have resonated with listeners across generations, making it a staple in many church services and Christmas concerts. However, beyond its popularity, this hymn holds a deeper significance in its exploration of the human experience of faith, doubt, and wonder.
The origins of 'I Wonder As I Wonder' can be traced back to the Appalachian mountains in the United States. In the early 1900s, folklorist and musicologist John Jacob Niles was traveling through the region, collecting and preserving traditional folk songs. During his journey, he encountered a young girl singing a fragment of a melody with the lyrics 'I wonder as I wander, out under the sky.' Niles was struck by the raw emotion and simplicity of the tune and was inspired to compose his own version of the song, incorporating his own lyrics and musical arrangement. The resulting hymn, first published in 1933, was a fusion of traditional Appalachian folk music and Niles' own artistic interpretation.
The lyrics of 'I Wonder As I Wonder' are rooted in the story of Jesus' birth, as narrated in the Bible. The opening verse sets the scene of a desolate and humble setting, with Mary and Joseph 'in a poor manger' and the stars shining 'high in the sky.' This imagery evokes a sense of wonder and awe at the birth of Jesus, the son of God, in such humble circumstances. The following verses then delve deeper into the mystery of the incarnation, with lines such as 'when Mary birthed Jesus 'twas in a cow's stall' and 'the stars in the sky looked down where he lay.' These poetic descriptions not only paint a vivid picture of the nativity but also invite the listener to contemplate the miraculous and wondrous nature of Jesus' birth.
However, what sets 'I Wonder As I Wonder' apart from other Christmas carols is its exploration of doubt and questioning within the context of faith. The repetition of the phrase 'I wonder' throughout the song conveys a sense of uncertainty and contemplation. The singer wonders about the birth of Jesus, the shepherds' visit, and the angels' proclamation, all of which are foundational elements of the Christian faith. This questioning and searching spirit is further emphasized in the final verse, where the singer asks '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 to sing, he surely could have it, 'cause he was the king.' This verse challenges the listener to consider the limitless power and authority of Jesus, despite his humble beginnings, and to ponder the mysteries of God's plans and ways.
The hymn's haunting melody also adds to its profound impact. The minor key and soaring intervals in the melody create a sense of yearning and longing, mirroring the lyrics' themes of wonder and questioning. The melody's simplicity and repetition also allow for the focus to remain on the lyrics, reinforcing the emotional and spiritual weight of the words.
Over the years, 'I Wonder As I Wonder' has been recorded and performed by countless artists, including Joan Baez, Nat King Cole, and Johnny Cash. Its enduring popularity can be attributed not only to its beautiful melody and lyrics but also to its universal message. The human experience of faith and doubt is one that transcends time, culture, and religion, and this hymn captures it in a powerful and relatable way.
In conclusion, 'I Wonder As I Wonder' is a hymn that continues to captivate and inspire listeners, more than 80 years after its composition. Its exploration of the human experience of faith, doubt, and wonder, set against the backdrop of the nativity story, makes it a timeless and universal piece of music. Through its poignant lyrics and haunting melody, this hymn invites us to reflect on the miraculous and mysterious nature of faith and to embrace the wonder and uncertainty that comes with it.
The origins of 'I Wonder As I Wonder' can be traced back to the Appalachian mountains in the United States. In the early 1900s, folklorist and musicologist John Jacob Niles was traveling through the region, collecting and preserving traditional folk songs. During his journey, he encountered a young girl singing a fragment of a melody with the lyrics 'I wonder as I wander, out under the sky.' Niles was struck by the raw emotion and simplicity of the tune and was inspired to compose his own version of the song, incorporating his own lyrics and musical arrangement. The resulting hymn, first published in 1933, was a fusion of traditional Appalachian folk music and Niles' own artistic interpretation.
The lyrics of 'I Wonder As I Wonder' are rooted in the story of Jesus' birth, as narrated in the Bible. The opening verse sets the scene of a desolate and humble setting, with Mary and Joseph 'in a poor manger' and the stars shining 'high in the sky.' This imagery evokes a sense of wonder and awe at the birth of Jesus, the son of God, in such humble circumstances. The following verses then delve deeper into the mystery of the incarnation, with lines such as 'when Mary birthed Jesus 'twas in a cow's stall' and 'the stars in the sky looked down where he lay.' These poetic descriptions not only paint a vivid picture of the nativity but also invite the listener to contemplate the miraculous and wondrous nature of Jesus' birth.
However, what sets 'I Wonder As I Wonder' apart from other Christmas carols is its exploration of doubt and questioning within the context of faith. The repetition of the phrase 'I wonder' throughout the song conveys a sense of uncertainty and contemplation. The singer wonders about the birth of Jesus, the shepherds' visit, and the angels' proclamation, all of which are foundational elements of the Christian faith. This questioning and searching spirit is further emphasized in the final verse, where the singer asks '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 to sing, he surely could have it, 'cause he was the king.' This verse challenges the listener to consider the limitless power and authority of Jesus, despite his humble beginnings, and to ponder the mysteries of God's plans and ways.
The hymn's haunting melody also adds to its profound impact. The minor key and soaring intervals in the melody create a sense of yearning and longing, mirroring the lyrics' themes of wonder and questioning. The melody's simplicity and repetition also allow for the focus to remain on the lyrics, reinforcing the emotional and spiritual weight of the words.
Over the years, 'I Wonder As I Wonder' has been recorded and performed by countless artists, including Joan Baez, Nat King Cole, and Johnny Cash. Its enduring popularity can be attributed not only to its beautiful melody and lyrics but also to its universal message. The human experience of faith and doubt is one that transcends time, culture, and religion, and this hymn captures it in a powerful and relatable way.
In conclusion, 'I Wonder As I Wonder' is a hymn that continues to captivate and inspire listeners, more than 80 years after its composition. Its exploration of the human experience of faith, doubt, and wonder, set against the backdrop of the nativity story, makes it a timeless and universal piece of music. Through its poignant lyrics and haunting melody, this hymn invites us to reflect on the miraculous and mysterious nature of faith and to embrace the wonder and uncertainty that comes with it.
