Country music offers lyrics about Jesus that you simply won’t find elsewhere. Country covers real-world topics people deal with daily.
But sometimes these lyrics don’t reflect reality and end up pandering to their audience instead of truly representing Jesus, leading people to view it as mere spiritual tokenism or disregard it altogether.
Don’t Think Jesus
Although written by Chase McGill, Jessi Alexander and Mark Holman, Morgan Wallen considers it one of the most personal songs he has recorded. It tells the tale of a boy turning back to Jesus after engaging in various harmful behavior including drinking, smoking and cheating on his girlfriend – it brought tears to Wallen when first hearing it!
Wallen released this new single shortly after his racial slur scandal of 2021, to much fan and chart support from country music listeners alike. While his supporters did suffer some significant backlash over it, this song’s top 10 debut proves they still support him.
The emotional ballad sounds like a country radio hit and has received widespread acclaim by listeners. This song’s success also speaks volumes for how willing country fans still are to forgive past transgressions; thus reiterating that there is hope for all people and that all should accept some degree of forgiveness in life.
Wallen shows his more mature side in his latest album. It is evident that he has learned much from past mistakes, which are now put behind him. A stand-out example is “Don’t Think Jesus”, an emotional yet thought-provoking track that speaks directly to country music fans everywhere.
It may come as a shock, but Wallen’s top-10 debut with this religious-themed single is not unusual in country music. His timely and effective single is sure to boost Wallen’s career upon his return from retirement; we will need to wait and see whether this single can maintain its position over time; Jason Lipshutz from Saving Country Music predicts it as being temporary; perhaps serving as a stopgap until Wallen reveals their official return single in due course.
Alyssa Lies
Country music has long been celebrated for its ability to evoke strong emotional reactions in listeners, from entertaining listeners and stimulating their senses, all the way through to socially aware pieces like Jason Michael Carroll’s Alyssa Lies that tells the tale of a girl being mistreated by her family; each day she tries to cover up bruises by telling different tales each day about what has been going on – until eventually, her father realizes what is happening and attempts to help, only too late for their child.
This song serves as an irrefutable testament to how pervasive child abuse is in our society. While many may hesitate to speak up out of fear that speaking up would do more harm than good, this song serves as a timely reminder that everyone has an obligation and duty to intervene when children are threatened with harm.
Organizations across the nation have used this song to raise awareness about child abuse. For instance, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children produced a video with lyrics accompanying it that spread the message that all children deserve a happy, healthy, and safe childhood environment.
No matter its subject matter, this song remains an emotionally stirring piece of country music. The haunting lyrics will linger long after listening; 14 years after first hearing this piece of country music it still tugs at your heartstrings and makes you reflect upon what could have been.
The music video for Alyssa’s story unfolding is equally powerful and emotive, designed to draw students’ attention and encourage them to speak up against abuse victims.
Alyssa Lies is an amazing country music song that raises awareness of child abuse. While its music may be beautiful, the lyrics will leave you in tears and leave an imprint of sorrow and empathy on you as an audience member. A must-listen for all lovers of country music!
Don’t You Think Jesus
Morgan Wallen scores a major hit with Don’t Think Jesus, his song about a young artist dealing with cancel culture and its fallout after using racist slurs, that stands out from most country singer releases. Additionally, this track seems to acknowledge that although not fully reformed yet, progress has been made toward redemption for this individual.
The song opens with a young man singing at a small club in his hometown and excelling, singing about whiskey, women, and getting stoned. As his audience applauded his talent he began feeling justified until someone from his community reminded him that Jesus wouldn’t approve of his behavior. At first the protagonist feels bad for their sins but soon realizes they aren’t alone dealing with such issues.
Cody Johnson and Trent Willmon’s production creates an uneasy mixture of faith, spirituality, anger, and sorrow in this track. Each guitar riff creates a feeling of frustration while its brooding tone calls back to songs by artists such as HARDY, Chase McGill, Lainey Wilson etc. while its protagonist knows Jesus would disapprove of their actions but nonetheless wishes to seek redemption through prayer and repentance.
Wallen’s track is an emotive response to his depraved behavior, offering a powerful statement from an artist facing its aftermath. Though not technically a single from Dangerous, this song serves as an important step toward rehabilitation and is likely to solidify his place within country music scene – crashing the top 10 after such a major controversy is an indication that Wallen is back on track and moving forward successfully despite fans who had concerns for his future career prospects.
Jesus Got a Tight Grip
Blake Shelton might know how to raise hell right, but he’s also a gentleman at heart. This week he released “Jesus Got a Tight Grip,” one of the finest faith-based songs in country music. Written with Chase McGill, Jessi Alexander and Rhett Akins it serves as an additional track on Fully Loaded: God’s Country released Dec 13. Additionally it follows recent hit single “Hell Right,” featuring fellow country artist Trace Adkins as featured guest artist.
Shelton sings of his faith and being aware that Jesus will see him through, while citing Hank Williams who once caused havoc but eventually came around to God. Its release comes at an auspicious time as Shelton officiated Adkins and Victoria Pratt’s wedding over the weekend.
If you love country music jesus songs, be sure to take a look at our list of top faith-based tracks from all genres. There are some incredible songs included here; be sure to vote for your favorites and share these incredible country songs about Jesus with friends – let us know which one your favorites are below in the comments!