You ever heard a hymn in church that moved you so much you wanted to look up every word?
That’s what happens with “How Great Thou Art.” The melody stays with you.
The message touches something deep. And suddenly, you want to know the complete How Great Thou Art lyrics so you can sing along with meaning.
If you’re preparing for worship, learning the song, or just curious about the words that have moved millions of people, you’ll find everything you need here.
How Great Thou Art Lyrics by Elvis Presley
[Verse 1]
Oh Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder
Consider all the worlds thy hands have made
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder
Thy power throughout the universe displayed
[Verse 2]
(When Christ shall come with shout of acclamation)
(And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart)
Then I shall bow in humble adoration
And there proclaim my God how great thou art
[Chorus]
Then sings my soul my savior God to thee
How great thou art (how great thou art)
How great thou art (how great thou art)
Then sings my soul my savior God to thee
How great thou art
How great thou art
Song Details
How Great Thou Art is a classic Christian hymn (originally from the Swedish “O Store Gud”). Elvis Presley’s version is loved for its powerful vocal delivery and traditional gospel arrangement, and it became the title track of his well-known gospel album.
| CATEGORY | INFORMATION |
|---|---|
| Song Title | How Great Thou Art |
| Writer | Carl Boberg (original text); Stuart K. Hine (popular English version) |
| Performer | Elvis Presley |
| Release Year | 1967 |
| Album | How Great Thou Art |
| Genre | Gospel |
| Label | RCA Victor |
These details show how Elvis helped bring a widely loved hymn to a bigger mainstream audience through a full gospel album release, while keeping the worship-focused message at the center.
The Story & History Behind This Spiritual Song
How Great Thou Art began as a Swedish poem written by Carl Boberg in 1885, after he witnessed a thunderstorm give way to a calm, beautiful landscape.
The poem, titled O Store Gud (“O Great God”), was set to a well-known Swedish folk melody.
In 1931, British missionary Stuart K. Hine heard the Russian version in Ukraine and began translating it into English.
He added new verses, including lines about Christ’s sacrifice and Christ’s return, shaping the version sung today.
The hymn became widely known in America in the 1950s through Billy Graham crusades, and later grew even more popular after Elvis Presley’s 1967 Grammy-winning recording.
Verse-By-Verse Meaning
Elvis’s version of How Great Thou Art highlights reverence for God’s creation, using vivid nature imagery to express wonder and respect.
He sings about the sky, woods, and birds in a way that feels sincere and deeply felt.
The verses about Christ’s sacrifice come across as personal, shaped by Elvis’s strong gospel and church background.
His emotional delivery makes the message of grace and forgiveness clear and moving.
The ending focuses on hope, pointing to Christ’s return and eternal worship with rising vocal intensity.
Overall, Elvis brought gospel passion to a wide audience, helping the hymn reach listeners beyond church walls.
Other Notable Versions of “How Great Thou Art”
Over the years, many artists and worship groups have recorded How Great Thou Art, each adding their own style and tone.
From traditional hymn versions to gospel and modern worship covers, it continues to connect across generations.
1. Carrie Underwood’s Country Gospel Take
Carrie Underwood recorded a powerful modern version of the hymn, “How Great Thou Art.” Her style blends country and gospel, using strong lead vocals, rich harmonies, and a big, uplifting build that feels like a live worship moment.
This version preserves the hymn’s central message of awe and praise, especially in the soaring chorus. Many listeners connect with it because it feels both reverent and emotionally full, keeping the classic song fresh while honoring its roots.
2. Josh Turner’s Traditional Gospel Interpretation
Josh Turner released a powerful rendition of “How Great Thou Art,” leaning into a classic gospel feel. His performance centers on rich, steady vocals with a clean, traditional backing that keeps the focus on the hymn’s words.
This take preserves the song’s wonder and reverence. Turner’s warm tone and controlled phrasing make it easy to follow, giving the hymn a grounded, country-gospel warmth without altering its meaning.
3. Bethel Music’s Contemporary Worship Version
Bethel Music, Garett & Kate Serban, recorded a modern worship version of “How Great Thou Art,” giving it a fresh, live feel. Their sound is spacious and contemporary, with gentle instrumentation and expressive vocals that build gradually.
This take keeps the hymn’s focus on awe and praise, while adding a more current worship tone. The rising dynamics and clear phrasing help the chorus land with extra weight, making it feel both familiar and new.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Originally Wrote How Great Thou Art?
Carl Boberg wrote the original Swedish poem “O Store Gud” in 1885. Stuart K. Hine translated and adapted it into the English version.
What Inspired the How Great Thou Art Lyrics?
Carl Boberg was inspired after witnessing a thunderstorm, which revealed a beautiful landscape in Sweden. He heard church bells and birds singing, prompting him to write the poem.
How Did How Great Thou Art Become Popular?
The hymn gained widespread popularity in the 1950s when George Beverly Shea sang it at Billy Graham crusades. Elvis Presley’s 1967 Grammy-winning recording brought it to an even larger audience.
