What Wondrous Love Is This (Lyrics)

What Wondrous Love Is This is a traditional American folk hymn with roots in the sacred harp singing tradition. It has a rich history in shape-note singing and a unique musical notation system that uses different shapes to represent different pitches. The hymn is often associated with the Sacred Harp, a shape-note tune book first published in 1844. Additionally, “What Wondrous Love Is This” gained prominence in the American folk revival of the mid-20th century, with artists like The Carter Family and Joan Baez recording renditions that helped introduce the hymn to a broader audience. This widespread adoption in various musical circles showcases the song’s versatility and timeless appeal.

(Lyrics) Wondrous Love Is This

What wondrous love is this, O my soul, O my soul! What wondrous love is this, O my soul! What wondrous love is this That caused the Lord of bliss To bear the dreadful curse for my soul, for my soul, To bear the dreadful curse for my soul! (Summary) {The lyrics of “What Wondrous Love Is This” express a profound reflection on the extraordinary love of God. The singer marvels at the incomprehensible nature of this love, addressing their soul in awe. The focus is on the remarkable act of the Lord willingly bearing a dreadful curse, presumably a reference to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The sacrifice is portrayed as an act of profound love, emphasizing the gravity of the burden borne for the redemption of the singer’s soul. The repetition of the question “What wondrous love is this, O my soul?” underscores the astonishment and gratitude felt for the divine love that transcends human understanding. Overall, the lyrics celebrate the sacrificial love of God and its transformative impact on the soul.}

(Lyrics) When I was sinking down, sinking down, sinking down, When I was sinking down, sinking down, When I was sinking down Beneath God’s righteous frown, Christ laid aside his crown For my soul, for my soul, Christ laid aside his crown for my soul. (Summary) {The lyrics convey a narrative of personal redemption and salvation. The singer reflects on a time of profound despair and spiritual distress, described as “sinking” beneath God’s righteous judgment. In this dire moment, the singer highlights the compassionate act of Christ, who willingly sacrificed his glory and authority, symbolized by laying aside his crown, to save the singer’s soul. The repetition of “sinking” emphasizes the depth of the struggle or crisis faced by the individual. The central theme revolves around “A Friend We Have In Jesus,” Christ’s selfless act, choosing to set aside divine majesty to provide salvation and deliverance. The lyrics celebrate the transformative power of “A Friend We Have In Jesus,” portraying it as a response to human vulnerability and the need for divine intervention in times of spiritual crisis.}

(Lyrics) To God and to the Lamb I will sing, I will sing; To God and to the Lamb I will sing; To God and to the Lamb, Who is the great I Am, While millions join the theme, I will sing, I will sing, While millions join the theme, I will sing. (Summary) {The lyrics express a resolute commitment to worship and praise God and the Lamb (a reference to Jesus Christ) through singing. The singer declares their intention to sing praises to both God and the Lamb, acknowledging the divine nature of the latter as the “great I Am.” The repetition of “I will sing” reflects a steadfast determination to participate in this act of worship. The singer envisions a collective celebration, as millions join in the theme of praising God and the Lamb. The overall tone of the lyrics is one of joy, devotion, and an eagerness to join a larger community in expressing adoration for the divine. It underscores the universality of the worship theme and emphasizes that We’re All In This Together, highlighting the singer’s enthusiastic participation in this shared celebration of faith.} READ MORE

(Lyrics) And when from death I’m free, I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on; And when from death I’m free, I’ll sing on. And when from death I’m free, I’ll sing his love for me, And through eternity I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on, And through eternity I’ll sing on. (Summary) {The lyrics express a hopeful anticipation of liberation from death and the singer’s commitment to continue singing in celebration of the love bestowed upon them. The repeated declaration of “I’ll sing on” underscores the singer’s determination to express gratitude and praise beyond the experience of death. The lyrics emphasize the transformative power of divine love, suggesting that even in the freedom from death, the singer will continue to sing about the enduring love received. The phrase “through eternity I’ll sing on” reinforces the eternal nature of the singer’s devotion and commitment to singing praises to the divine. Overall, the lyrics convey a sense of joy, liberation, and an everlasting connection with the theme of divine love that transcends the boundaries of mortality.} READ MORE

The unique aspect of “What Wondrous Love Is This” lies in its remarkable journey through time and diverse musical landscapes. The hymn’s enduring popularity is a testament to its profound and universal themes, which have resonated with generations across different cultural and religious backgrounds. What sets this hymn apart is its extraordinary ability to seamlessly adapt to various musical styles. From its humble origins in the Sacred Harp singing tradition, the song has undergone transformative reinterpretations, finding resonance in genres as distinct as folk, bluegrass, gospel, and classical music.