Essay

Country Music and Religion?

            Country music is not only a popular genre today, but is also one of the most popular genres in which religion is seen or heard about through. George Strait’s song, I Saw God Today, is an example of how religion is important and often seen in country music. It tells the story of someone who sees God through his work, and is taking the time to notice that he’s not only experiencing it but is surround by God’s work constantly.

            When trying to find a song for this essay and my sister suggested, I Saw God Today, instantly I knew this was the song I would use. Religion is seen most commonly in the popular genre of country music. George Strait refers to seeing God through the birth of his little girl. He states, “she’s a miracle.” In the song when he takes a break from being at the hospital so long, he notices, “his fingerprints are everywhere I just slowed down to stop and stare opened my eyes and man I swear I saw God today.” He’s feeling the blessing of his child being born and is seeing things he wouldn’t notice on a daily basis. This song is not only religious, but tells a story of things that happen in real life. A lot of people believe in God but sometimes it takes something major to make you open your eyes and see all that he does and the things we should be thankful for everyday.

             The imagery and language chose in this song are incredible. I can actually see him sitting, “by her side for 18 hours straight,” through the birth of his daughter. “In the shadow at 5:08 I saw God today.”  He notices a flower growing through the side walk and states, “like it was planted right there for me to see.” He notices a couple who are holding hands and he says, “man she had that glow,” “couldn’t help but notice she was starting to show,” “lost in that sunset splash of amber melted in the shades of red.” All these quotes from the song paint a picture in my mind as I read the lyrics or listen to the song. When imagery is used as it is in this song it holds your attention and allows you to see what’s happening as if you were walking with him.

            George Strait is not only an extremely popular country music artist, but also a role model to his audience and other music artists. In an article in People Magazine, Miranda Lambert stated, “George Strait is the king.” Keith Urban said, “He’s an inspiration.” “The real deal, just as pure as they come. He’s never wavered and he is still kicking ass.” This article states that he has, “amassed a record 57 No. 1 country singles in his 28-year career—was crowned the Academy of Country Music’s fifth-ever Artist of the Decade at a star-studded tribute concert.” It’s no secret how talented George Strait is, because he is looked up to by so many other country music artists when he sings a song like, I Saw God Today, there’s no doubt in my mind that he doesn’t set an example for other artists to want to sing about religion also.

            Artists know that the strong belief and love people have for God so in my opinion not only because they share the same religion, but because God plays such a big role in people’s lives songs like, I Saw God Today, are extremely popular especially to country music fans. In a Desert News Article titled, “God and country music: Despite all the drinking and cheating, genre comfortable with religious themes,” It states, "What's interesting, a lot of people listen to country music but aren't a real country music fan, but it's so big in urban areas because it deals with issues," Carter said in an interview with the Deseret News. "I think they are attracted to that kind of music because it reflects their values, reflecting what's in the streets and in people's lives. But they see a different message in the media every day." In which I totally agree. "Country music often has that play-hard, pray-hard sort of mentality," said Carmen Rasmusen Herbert, a former "American Idol" contestant, Utah resident and columnist for the Deseret News. "It's about partying on Friday and Saturday night, drinking or looking at girls in tight jeans, all the honky-tonk, but still going to church on Sunday and pounding the Bible. They'll still acknowledge God and providence." What she says is absolutely true in my opinion. Country music talks about real life experiences and what most people do on a typical Friday or Saturday night, love, or things of that sort, but they still include God in their songs, as other genres don’t.

            Religion is most definitely seen in country music, as are other real life experiences. This is why I believe it is such a popular genre especially today. George Strait is a wonderful role model to show religion in country music, and to help others refer to songs like, I Saw God Today, when trying to come up with new ideas for a song. Artists of a different genre seem afraid to sing about religion because of what their audience or other artists might think. Songs dealing with religion and real life issues are what people want to hear, and will only make country music that much more popular.