Rabbit Trail: Wonder, The Song

Estimated Time: 15-20 minutes

The theme song of the book is the song, "Wonder", written by Natalie Merchant. The song is about a young girl who is born with unidentified issues that make her a "Wonder", much like Auggie. The beginning of Part One begins with the lyrics from this song.

"Fate smiled and destiny laughed as she came to my cradle..."

Listen to the song as you read the rest of the lyrics below and think about how this song could be Auggie's theme song.

Wonder by Natalie Merchant

Doctors have come from distant cities just to see me.
Stand over my bed, disbelieving what they're seeing.

They say I must be one of the wonders of god's own creation.
And as far as they see they can offer no explanation.

Newspapers ask intimate questions, want confessions.
They reach into my head to steal the glory of my story.

They say I must be one of the wonders of god's own creation.
And as far as they see they can offer no explanation.

O, I believe fate smiled and destiny laughed as she came to my cradle,
Know this child will be able. Laughed as my body she lifted,
Know this child will be gifted with love, with patience and with faith.
She'll make her way.

People see me, I'm a challenge to your balance.
I'm over your heads, how I confound you and astound you
To know I must be one of the wonders of god's own creation.
And as far as you can see you can offer me no explanation.

O, I believe fate smiled and destiny laughed as she came to my cradle.
Know this child will be able. Laughed as she came to my mother,
Know this child will not suffer, Laughed as my body she lifted,
Know this child will be gifted with love, with patience and with faith.
She'll make her way.

Watch this video of Natalie Merchant introducing her song "Wonder." She speaks about how writing the song has affected her life and others'.

Parents: This video may be too intense for sensitive children. Please preview before showing to your children.

Do you think the song, "Wonder", is a good inspiration for this book? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

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