The words were written by American evangelical-Christian singer, comedian, and songwriter, Mark Lowry (b 1958)
It is set to music written by American gospel musician, singer, songwriter, guitar player and harmonica player, Buddy Greene. With irregular meter, the tune is usually just called MARY DID YOU KNOW. This has a 4/4 time signature. In the key of F, the first few notes are DEFG A_.
The song was first recorded by Christian recording artist Michael English in 1991, when English and Lowry were both members of the Gaither Vocal Band. Lowry has recorded it several times, the most well-known version is with the Gaither Vocal Band on their Christmas album "Still the Greatest Story Ever Told" released in 1998.
It has been recorded by may other contemporary-Christian-music artists, and reached No. 6 on the American CCM Magazine's AC Chart.
The song is regarded as a modern Christmas classic amongst American evangelicals, but has crossed denominational boundaries and is also used in many liturgical churches.
It has received varying reviews from musicians and liturgists in traditionalist churches (eg here or this one) - but at least some see it as having a place in public worship, or as a private devotional song, by people who understand that the questions in the text are literary devices, rather than expressions of doubt.
It is set to music written by American gospel musician, singer, songwriter, guitar player and harmonica player, Buddy Greene. With irregular meter, the tune is usually just called MARY DID YOU KNOW. This has a 4/4 time signature. In the key of F, the first few notes are DEFG A_.
The song was first recorded by Christian recording artist Michael English in 1991, when English and Lowry were both members of the Gaither Vocal Band. Lowry has recorded it several times, the most well-known version is with the Gaither Vocal Band on their Christmas album "Still the Greatest Story Ever Told" released in 1998.
It has been recorded by may other contemporary-Christian-music artists, and reached No. 6 on the American CCM Magazine's AC Chart.
The song is regarded as a modern Christmas classic amongst American evangelicals, but has crossed denominational boundaries and is also used in many liturgical churches.
It has received varying reviews from musicians and liturgists in traditionalist churches (eg here or this one) - but at least some see it as having a place in public worship, or as a private devotional song, by people who understand that the questions in the text are literary devices, rather than expressions of doubt.
Downloads
Examples
Professional recording - praise band:
Acapella duet:
Instrumental - electronic organ:
Soloist with orchestra:
Praise band - live recording:
Lyrics
The lyrics are copyright so cannot be reproduced here. But they are currently available on this website. The song has three verses, and a bridge between the 2nd and 3rd verse. A rough outline is:1 Mary did you know that your baby boy would someday walk on water? ...
2 .... Will give sight to a blind man? ... O Mary, did you know?
Bridge:
O Mary, did you know?
The blind will see, the deaf will hear
The dead will live a-gain
The lame will leap, the dumb will speak
The praises of the Lamb.
3 .... Is Lord of all creation?
.... This sleeping child you’re holding is the great I AM! .,...
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