a classic hymn revisited
power in simplicity: O Lord my God
[ lyrics to O Lord my God ]
The hymn, "O Lord My God" (also known as "How Great Thou Art"), has become a real favourite with Christians of all denominations since it was first published in 1953.
Inspiration
Stuart Hine's hymn is subtitled "from a Russian hymn". This provides us with a telling clue to the source of his inspiration - a hymn tune, and probably lyrics too, originally written for a different cultural and religious setting. I'm not sure how literal Stuart Hine's translation is. My guess is that the Russian hymn served more as inspiration and to provide him with the basic framework for his song.
Stuart Hine's role is more that of a songwriter than a translator, and his goal was to write a new song, for an English-speaking, Western context, that expressed in words and melody the greatness of God in His Creation and His redemptive work. Stuart Hine acknowledges his source, but the song he writes is truly his own.
Simplicity
The melody line is relatively simple. The first and second half of the verse are exactly the same. The chorus also contains two halves, which are very similar. Still, the lyrics are so absorbing, that the simplicity is masked.
There's a marked difference between the verse and chorus, both in terms of range and complexity. In the verses, the melody line is very subdued. The range between the notes is small, and the tone is reflective. It's as though you're thinking out loud to yourself as you sing the lyrics. There's sufficient time to pause and ponder, and mull over the words.
By the time you get to the chorus, you're ready to lift your voice and make this great declaration to God: "How Great Thou Art!" The melody soars, and your heart with it.
Idiom
Stuart Hine gives the hymn a character all of its own. The lyrics are in the first person (I, me, my), turning the hymn into a personal, intimate encounter with the Living God. "Oh, Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder ... I see the stars, I hear the mighty thunder ...".
He also chooses to use quaint, slightly old-fashioned (even for his time) expressions such as, "How great Thou art", "my soul" and "to Thee". In another context, this terminology might alienate people, but it suits the hymn, and it works. It rings true.
The lyrics are also filled with emotion, without appearing forced or pretentious. Take, for example, "When I in awesome wonder ..." and "I scarce can take it in".
Structure of the lyrics
The verses provide the evidence and the argument to support the glorious conclusion voiced in the chorus, "How great Thou art!".
Each verse focuses on one central theme:
1/ God's greatness manifest in magnificent, powerful natural phenomena
2/ God's greatness experienced in a more direct, intimate encounter with nature
3/ God's greatness in sending Jesus to die for my sins
4/ The glorious prospect of celebrating God's greatness in heaven one day
The verses are linked by the theme of God's greatness, and by the word "when".
Notice how many times it recurs:
"when I in awesome wonder"
"When through the woods ... I wander"
"When I look down"
"And when I think"
"When Christ shall come"
The word "when" also links the verses to the chorus, leading so naturally into the first line: "Then sings my soul ..."
Melody
Although the melody line is relatively simple, the rhythm is very dynamic. You're carried along by it, yet forced to pause regularly. But before you know it, you're moving off again, to the next thought or sight or wonder. You're happy to pause, and equally happy to move on. There's pleasure in both.
By the time you reach the end of the hymn, you have travelled far, through time and space. You've heard and voiced powerful arguments for the existence of a great God and responded in faith and adoration.
irene bom ~ songwriter © 2022