CeCe Winans - How Great Thou Art Lyrics

CeCe Winans: How Great Thou Art

How Great Thou Art Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration

Released on November 24, 2008, CeCe Winans offered her rendition of the classic hymn "How Great Thou Art," a song that has resonated deeply across generations. This isn't just any cover; it's an interpretation that builds upon a rich heritage, breathing fresh life into words originally penned in Swedish by Carl Boberg in 1885, later translated into English and set to the familiar Russian folk melody. The hymn itself tells a profound story: a journey from observing the magnificent power of God in creation to reflecting on the redemptive sacrifice of Christ, and finally, looking forward to His glorious return, all culminating in a declarative outburst of praise proclaiming God's immense greatness.

CeCe Winans approaches this revered text with a grace and power uniquely her own. From the outset, her voice conveys a sense of awe, reflecting the hymn's opening focus on the natural world. As the music swells, you sense the artist internalizing the wonder of a God whose hands fashioned "all the worlds." This mirrors the scriptural truth found in Romans 1:20, which states that God's eternal power and divine nature are clearly seen in what has been made. Her delivery in this section invites us to step outside, metaphorically or literally, and join in beholding the vastness and intricate detail of creation as a testament to the Creator, just as Psalm 19:1 proclaims, "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands." It’s an invitation to humble ourselves before the sheer artistry of the Divine Architect.

The hymn then shifts focus, moving from the general revelation in nature to the specific revelation in Christ Jesus. This is where Winans' interpretation takes on a deeper weight. She navigates the verses contemplating Christ's willingness to leave His throne and die for humanity with a palpable sense of reverence and gratitude. This section of the song draws heavily on the heart of the Gospel – the truth that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). The reflection on Christ bearing the cross resonates with passages like 1 Peter 2:24, "He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross," highlighting the immense cost of our redemption. Winans' vocal performance here captures both the somber reality of the sacrifice and the triumphant hope it secures, moving us from contemplation to profound thankfulness for God's incredible love demonstrated through His Son, as described in John 3:16.

Finally, the hymn, and Winans' performance, turn towards the glorious future – the promised return of Christ. The anticipation built in the music and her voice during this part speaks to the hope held by believers looking forward to that day when Christ will come with shouts of acclamation to take His people home. This hope is firmly rooted in scripture, echoing Jesus’ own promise in John 14:3, "I will come back and take you to be with me," and the description in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 of the Lord descending with a loud command and the dead in Christ rising. The vision of standing in worship before the King in eternity, as hinted at in Revelation 21, fuels the ultimate declaration of the song. It’s a forward-looking praise, anticipating the day when our faith will be sight and our worship unending.

Across these movements – from creation's grandeur to redemption's cost to future glory – CeCe Winans maintains a compelling earnestness that guides the listener through the hymn's powerful narrative. Her command of the melody allows the timeless message to shine through, making the central declaration, "Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to Thee, How great Thou art!" not just a repeated phrase, but a true culmination of the spiritual journey the song outlines. It’s a call to worship that rises from the deepest part of one's being, spurred by the overwhelming reality of God's power, love, and faithfulness. This rendition serves as a powerful reminder for all who hear it to lift their voices and hearts in surrender and adoration to the One who is indeed unimaginably great.