“I Wonder As I Wander”

Description

"I wonder as I wander out under the sky How Jesus our savior did come for to die." Jesus comes for "poor ornery/ordinary people," is born to Mary in a "cow's stall," is celebrated in the skies; we are assured he could have had anything he wanted

Notes

I can't help but note an irony: In the entire Bible, Jesus really makes only one request *for himself*: "My father, if it is possible, take this cup from me" (Matt. 26:39, etc.)

The request was not granted. - RBW

References

  1. BrownIII 600, "I Wonder As I Wander" (1 text)
  2. ADDITIONAL: Ian Bradley, _The Penguin Book of Carols_ (1999), #36, "I Wonder As I Wander" (1 text)
  3. Roud #15015
  4. BI, Br3600

About

Author: John Jacob Niles (?), based on at least one traditional stanza
Earliest date: 1934 (sheet music); collected from tradition by 1940
Found in: US(SE)