• The lyrics were written by Mark Lowry with music by Buddy Greene.
It was originally recorded by Christian recording artist,
Michael English
on his self-titled debut solo album in 1991 (English and Lowry were both members of
The Gaither Vocal Band
at the time).
Lowry explained:
"I wanted to ask her what it was like to raise God. We read that the word became flesh, and
it was just a very powerful thought, to look at those little hands of Jesus that had scooped out oceans,
land and rivers."
• The song was also used as the basis for a stage musical, also titled "Mary, Did You Know"
written by Bruce Greer, that won the 1999 Dove Award for Musical of the Year.
•
The song has since gone on to become a modern Christmas classic, being recorded by many artists over
the years across multiple genres.