3 Divine Country Songs About God That Give You All the Feels

Perhaps more than any other genre of music, country music has a devotion to God built right into its foundation. Songs attempt to commune with God. They reference God. They apologize, worship, wonder, question, and praise God. It’s part of the music’s tradition.

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Here below, we wanted to explore three songs that do just that. A trio of tracks that offer direct and poignant connections to God from a trio of country artists that know a thing or two about songwriting. Indeed, these are three divine country songs about God that will give you all the feels.

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“Need a Favor” by Jelly Roll from Whitsitt Chapel (2022)

On this 2022 hit song, country star Jelly Roll voices the lines that so many of us think regularly. If we are supposed to be in communion with God each and every day, then why do we only look upward when we’re in trouble? Jelly has made a name for himself in country music thanks to heart-on-his-sleeve lyrics—the kind he weaves into this tune. And on it, he sings,

I only talk to God when I need a favor
And I only pray when I ain’t got a prayer
So, who the hell am I, who the hell am I
To expect a Savior, oh
If I only talk to God when I need a favor?
But God, I need a favor

“I Saw the Light” by Hank Williams (Single, 1948)

This song is about redemption. The singer was doing all the wrong things with his life but then like Saul becoming Paul he changed his ways—he saw the light. Now, the singer is rejoicing about his newfound blessed life. And for Williams, who was a known heavy drinker, the song holds a special significance. Sadly, he didn’t see the right light during his life, as he died at 29 years old after living a hard life. But on this classic, he sings,

I wandered so aimless, life filled with sin
I wouldn’t let my dear savior in
Then Jesus came like a stranger in the night
Praise the Lord, I saw the light

I saw the light, I saw the light
No more darkness, no more night
Now I’m so happy no sorrow in sight
Praise the Lord, I saw the light

“Can the Circle Be Unbroken (By and By)” by the Carter Family (Single, 1935)

This song is about death—specifically what happens after it, both to the soul departing the Earth and the family that mourns left behind. The singer’s mother has died and he doesn’t want to let her go. It’s a mournful song, but one that’s become a standard in the country music canon. Each time it’s sung, the vocalist comes to grips a bit more with their own mortality and relationship with their Higher Power. On the tune, the famous Carter Family sings,

I was standing by my window
On a cold and cloudy day
When I saw the hearse come rolling
For to carry my mother away.

Will the circle be unbroken
By and by Lord, by and by
There’s a better home awaiting
In the sky Lord, in the sky.

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