I WONDER AS I WANDER.....

I've always loved this song, but knew nothing of its origin until I discovered this brief video. My ears perked up at the mention of 'Murphy, North Carolina'! Naturally, I had to check it out.
Apparently John Jacob Niles did indeed write this song as described in his notes (on the video). I also discovered that for a brief time, he was music director right here at the John C. Campbell Folk School (in Brasstown, NC). He later returned to Kentucky, where (in 1938) he recorded the first of many song collections; among which was included 'I Wonder As I Wander', that he had written.
(Like the old saying goes...'we learn something new everyday!').

I Wonder as I Wander
Traditional
John Jacob Niles

I wonder as I wander
Out under the sky
How Jesus the Savior
Did come for to die
For poor on'ry people
Like you and like I
I wonder as I wander
Out under the sky

When Mary birthed Jesus,
'Twas in a cow's stall
With wise men and farmers
And shepherds and all
But high from God's heaven,
A star's light did fall
And the promise of ages
It then did recall

If Jesus had wanted
For any wee thing
A star in the sky
Or a bird on the wing
Or all of God's angels
In heav'n for to sing
He surely could have it,
'Cause He was the King

I wonder as I wander
Out under the sky
How Jesus the Savior
Did come for to die
For poor on'ry people
Like you and like I
I wonder as I wander
Out under the sky