Country music has a rich history of incorporating themes of rowdy Saturday nights, evenings spent drinking in bars, heartbreak anthems, cheatin’ songs and romantic odes, but the genre’s artists have also also woven in storytelling that intertwines words of faith and deep-rooted spirituality. Country artists have long sung of their spiritual faith as both an emotional and creative foundation and inspiration, whether that be timeless songs that wrestle with personal struggles, or perhaps simply recalling Sunday mornings spent in church pews as a child.
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Several country artists have released full albums of faith-filled songs, among them Alan Jackson’s 2006 album Precious Memories, Carrie Underwood’s 2021 album My Savior, and Hillary Scott (of Lady A)’s 2016 album Love Remains (the Love Remains project also won a Grammy for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album). Randy Travis released several projects centered on faith, including 2000’s Inspirational Journey, 2002’s Rise and Shine, and 2003’s Worship & Faith, as did Johnny Cash, who recorded albums such as 1959’s Hymns and 1973’s The Gospel Road.
Meanwhile, other well-known songs in country music’s canon — such as “Will the Circle Be Unbroken” and Hank Williams Sr.’s “I Saw the Light” — continue to be reminders of how artists have shared faith, hope and heartbreak in their music.
Many other country songs reference the Bible or faith imagery as part of nostalgic storytelling or rural pride anthems, such as Keith Urban’s “John Cougar, John Deere, John 3:16,” or Lainey Wilson’s “King Ranch, King George, King James.” Several country artists, among them Underwood, Cash and Dolly Parton, are even highlighted in the exhibits of the recently-opened Museum of Christian & Gospel Music in downtown Nashville.
Below, Billboard looks at five country songs that mention the Bible.
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Carrie Underwood, “Don’t Forget to Remember Me”
Carrie Underwood earned a top 5 Country Airplay chart hit in 2006 with this coming-of-age song that delves into a young woman leaving home for the first time to chase her dreams. As she sets out, her mother is intent on giving her advice and preparation.
Key Lyrics: “Here’s a map, and here’s a Bible/ If you ever lose your way”
Blake Shelton, “Bible Verses”
This 2021 ballad recorded by Blake Shelton finds him singing from the perspective of a flawed character who is seeking to change his habits, and hoping for a faith that feels more loving rather than judgmental.
Key Lyrics: “I just want it to read like Bible verses / And not the Bible versus me”
Ashley McBryde, “Bible and a .44”
This 2016 song from Ashley McBryde became a favorite among both fans and McBryde’s fellow artists. The song isn’t a tribute to a higher power, but rather a song of appreciation for the influence and example given by a beloved father. The song was included on McBryde’s album Jalopies & Expensive Guitars, and has since also been recorded by Trisha Yearwood, on Yearwood’s 2019 album Every Girl.
Key Lyrics: “He taught me how to hunt and how to love the Lord/ He carried a Bible and a .44, and they just don’t make ’em like that no more.”
Willie Nelson, “Family Bible”
This song, written by Nelson, was first recorded and released by Claude Gray, becoming a top 10 hit on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart in 1960. George Jones also recorded a version of the song, earning a top 20 hit on Hot Country Singles in 1961. Nelson later recorded the song on his 1971 album Yesterday’s Wine (the song was also the title track to a 1980 album by Nelson).
Key Lyrics: “The family Bible on the table/ Will ever be my key to memories”
Brooks & Dunn, “Believe”
This 2005 song from Brooks & Dunn reached the top 10 on Hot Country Songs. The following year, the song picked up wins for song of the year and music video of the year.
Key Lyrics: “I’m findin’ more and more truth in the words written in red”
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