What makes the titans of the world look up?

#5 High on the Mountaintop Joel H. Johnson
Lofty words and elevated imagery seem to burst and skip off the tongue with this hymn's strong beat. It produces a rich and vibrant sound that has made it one of the longstanding classics in our Latter Day Saint Hymnal.

Interestingly enough, I know I more often hear this hymn's opening line mistakenly sung as a mountaintop, instead of "high on the mountaintop (line 1)." (that includes me :) But this is meant to be a specific place with a peculiar and wonderful role. Here is attracted the gaze of the entire world.

(Joel H. Johnson, author of text)

I live in view of the beautiful Bountiful Temple, which sits on the uppermost crest of the developed hillside east of our home. I see it as I look to see the sunrise, and its beautiful lights draw my gaze every night. This ever-present edifice is a powerful visual symbol for me. I remember the temple being built. Since its dedication it has become reverenced by me all the more since my wife and I were married for all eternity there.

Standing atop the Bountiful Temple, and every other temple of this Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, is the angel Moroni, heralding with a blast of his trumpet the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ. He is a magnificent symbol of the standard of truth as penned by Joel Johnson in "High on the Mountaintop."

As we look at the world stage, what entities or powers could possibly loom larger than the governments of nations? These are the titans of this world, shaping and forming its past and future destinies. These are giants of world industries, technologies, militaries, and might.

(Gustave Dore)

Joel Johnson writes in this hymn of a power which in order to see, even the very titans of this world must look up. Set above the nations of the earth, heralded by truth's very standard, is Zion.

Hear High on the Mountaintop sung by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir!