About How Great Thou Art
“How Great Thou Art” is a classic Christian hymn performed by Jamaican reggae and gospel artist George Nooks on his Diamond Series Blue collection (Track 25). The song itself is one of the most well-known hymns worldwide, praising the power and majesty of God. George Nooks’ version blends gospel reverence with his smooth reggae-influenced vocal style. (A precise release date for this particular track varies by compilation and isn’t universally documented.)
Lyrics
O 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
[Chorus]
Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee
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!
When through the woods, and forest glades I wander
And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees
When I look down, from lofty mountain grandeur
And see the brook, and feel the gentle breeze
[Chorus]
Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee
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!
And when I think, that God, His Son not sparing;
Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in;
That on the cross, my burden gladly bearing
He bled and died to take away my sin
[Chorus]
Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee
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!
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 then proclaim: “My God, how great Thou art!”
Song Overview & Analysis
This song is essentially a prayer set to music. It expresses awe at the natural world, gratitude for salvation, and hope for Christ’s return. George Nooks delivers it with warmth and sincerity, making it feel both devotional and personal.
Mood:
The mood moves from quiet wonder to full-on praise. It starts contemplative — thinking about nature, galaxies, thunder, mountains, trees — and then swells into joyful proclamation. There’s a sense of smallness in the face of creation but also comfort in feeling seen by God.
Style & performance:
Nooks’ musical style brings a gentle reggae gospel feel rather than traditional church-choir grandeur. His phrasing is relaxed and soulful, making the hymn feel conversational instead of formal. The repetition in the chorus reinforces deep emotional conviction rather than just musical structure — it sounds like someone overwhelmed in worship.
Themes & meanings:
Key themes in the lyrics include:
- awe at creation
- gratitude for Christ’s sacrifice
- humility and reverence
- anticipation of heaven
- deeply personal relationship with God
One major emotional turn happens in the verse reflecting on Christ’s sacrifice. The tone shifts from wonder at nature to almost disbelief that such love could be offered. The final section looks ahead to the return of Christ, imagining both joy and humble worship.
Language & wording:
The wording is simple, direct, and reverent. Nature imagery — stars, thunder, mountains, birds, woods, breeze — grounds big theological ideas in everyday experience. That’s part of why the hymn is so enduring: it connects cosmic faith with ordinary sights and sounds.
Overall, George Nooks’ rendition keeps the hymn’s original reverence but adds warmth and accessibility through his vocal tone and Caribbean musical influence.
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