The Statler Brothers – How Great Thou Art

Introduction

Whenever I hear the swelling chords of “How Great Thou Art,” I am reminded of my childhood, sitting in the pews of our small church as the congregation’s voices filled the room. The song was a source of comfort and awe, capturing the majesty of creation and the grace of God. Its ability to inspire such profound emotion made me curious about its origins, leading me to discover its deep historical roots and the significant role it has played in Christian worship around the world.

About The Composition

• Title: How Great Thou Art
• Composer: Carl Boberg (Original hymn text), Stuart K. Hine (English translation and adaptation)
• Premiere Date: First published in 1885 in Swedish; English version gained popularity in the 1950s
• Album/Opus/Collection: How Great Thou Art (as included in The Statler Brothers’ album, 1969)
• Genre: Christian Hymn, Gospel

Background

The hymn How Great Thou Art began as a Swedish poem written by Carl Boberg in 1885. Inspired by a walk through the countryside during a thunderstorm, Boberg was moved by the beauty and power of nature, leading him to pen a poem that praised the greatness of God. It was eventually set to music and made its way across Europe. In the 1940s, British missionary Stuart K. Hine translated the hymn into English and added additional verses, which helped it gain worldwide recognition. The hymn’s message of divine wonder resonated deeply with listeners, and it became one of the most beloved gospel songs of all time.

The Statler Brothers’ 1969 rendition of How Great Thou Art on their album of the same name further solidified the hymn’s place in modern Christian music. Their country-infused harmony brought a fresh yet reverent interpretation to the piece, adding to its already significant legacy.

Musical Style

How Great Thou Art is structured as a traditional hymn with four verses, each one escalating in both lyrical intensity and musical grandeur. The composition employs a simple yet powerful chord progression that allows singers to focus on the emotional weight of the lyrics. Its gentle tempo builds toward a crescendo in the final refrain, making it ideal for congregational singing.

In The Statler Brothers’ version, the arrangement incorporates classic country instrumentation—guitars, piano, and harmonious vocals—which gives the piece a distinctly American gospel feel. The group’s tight harmonies emphasize the spiritual unity in the song, creating an atmosphere of worship and collective awe.

Lyrics

The lyrics of How Great Thou Art center on themes of God’s omnipotence and the beauty of His creation. The verses take the listener on a journey from admiring nature’s splendor to contemplating Christ’s sacrifice and eventual return. Each verse begins with a reflection on the natural world, grounding the song in physical experiences that point to the divine.

The recurring refrain, “Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee / How great Thou art, how great Thou art,” acts as a climactic expression of faith and gratitude. The simplicity of the lyrics allows the message to resonate universally, transcending cultural and denominational boundaries.

Performance History

Over the years, How Great Thou Art has been performed by some of the biggest names in Christian and country music, including George Beverly Shea, Elvis Presley, and Carrie Underwood. Each interpretation brings a unique stylistic twist to the hymn, but the core message remains unchanged, keeping it relevant across generations.

The Statler Brothers’ version is notable for blending traditional gospel with country, giving the hymn a new audience while maintaining its sacred tone. This rendition helped cement the song’s place in American gospel and country music.

Cultural Impact

How Great Thou Art has had a profound impact not only within religious communities but also in popular culture. Its use in worship services, memorials, and national events speaks to its versatility and emotional depth. The song’s adaptability across different musical genres, from classical to country, highlights its universal appeal.

In addition to its religious significance, the hymn has been used in various films and television shows, often to evoke themes of redemption, faith, and the grandeur of the natural world. Its presence in popular culture has only furthered its status as a timeless classic.

Legacy

Today, How Great Thou Art continues to be one of the most widely sung hymns in churches around the world. Its enduring relevance lies in its ability to inspire awe and reflection, no matter the cultural or denominational context. The Statler Brothers’ recording helped bring this hymn to a broader audience, particularly within the country and gospel music spheres.

Conclusion

Listening to How Great Thou Art, especially through The Statler Brothers’ rendition, always takes me back to those quiet moments in church, where music had the power to transcend the mundane and bring people closer to something greater. If you haven’t already, I highly recommend exploring different versions of this hymn—whether it’s Elvis’s soulful take or Carrie Underwood’s stirring performance, you’ll find that each rendition brings out a new facet of its beauty

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