Here Are The Best Country Gospel Songs To Give You A Lift In These Difficult Times

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It’s amazing how country gospel songs can affect anyone who hears them – country fan or not. They work wonders in touching those feelings of hope that we need to be reminded of in moments of failure and change – something we are all familiar with in this life.

RELATED: The Top 60 Greatest Female Country Singers of All Time

So, we have listed below the best country gospel songs to brighten your day.

1. “Go Rest High on That Mountain” by Vince Gill

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When Gill penned this deeply personal song, “Go Rest High On That Mountain,” following his older brother’s death from a heart attack, he did not have any idea if anybody would like it – nor would it win a Grammy Awards for the categories of Best Male Country Vocal Performance and Best Male Country Song.

2. “I Saw The Light” by Hank Williams

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Williams wrote “I Saw The Light” in 1947 after one of his shows in Fort Deposit, Alabama.

The country-gospel has since become one of Williams’ most recognizable hits – famous for being the artist’s show closer. It has been covered by countless incredible performers too, but it’s absolutely quite challenging to top the original. 

3. “Why Me Lord” by Kris Kristofferson

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“Why Me Lord” was inspired by a religious service Kristofferson attended during an emotionally low period of his life. He said he never thought he needed help until he heard Larry Gatlin’s song “Help Me (Lord),” which inspires this tune. 

It turned out to be his only major country hit as a solo recording artist.

4. “Three Wooden Crosses” by Randy Travis

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Randy Travis may have released numerous hits throughout his career, but no song has touched more listeners than “Three Wooden Crosses.”

5. “Can the Circle Be Unbroken” by The Carter Family

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This country-folk song was actually a re-worked from the 1907 Christian hymn “Will The Circle Be Unbroken?” It has been covered by several artists in various genres and was later inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.

6. “A Satisfied Mind” by Porter Wagoner

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Wondering who the wealthiest person in the world is? You might be thinking of some names right now, but this song will tell you that “it is the man with a satisfied mind.”

7. “Long Black Train” by Josh Turner

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Turner wrote the country gospel after he had a vision of people watching a long, black train passing by. He later realized that the train could be a physical metaphor for temptation.

8. “The Man Comes Around” by Johnny Cash

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This features numerous biblical references that are both sung and spoken. The idea of the song came from a dream Cash had about Queen Elizabeth II wherein she compared the country legend to “a thorn tree in a whirlwind.”

This is among the last tracks Cash wrote before he died. 

9. “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” by Alan Jackson

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With Jesus as our friend, our burdens can swiftly be lifted. Preacher Joseph M. Scriven wrote this famous hymn as a poem in 1855 to comfort his mother, who was living away from him.

10. “The Great Speckled Bird” by Roy Acuff

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The unusual lyrics of the song are actually inspired by the twelfth chapter, verse ninth of the book of Jeremiah. It is written by reverend Guy Smith, a minister of the gospel in Springfield, Missouri.

11. “Wings of a Dove” by Ferlin Husky

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This was Husky’s final No. 1 hit on the country chart, which refers to quite a few passages from the Christian Bible about doves sent by God. This includes the dove the Lord sent to Noah during the flood and the one present during Jesus’ baptism.

12. “The Old Rugged Cross” by Alan Jackson

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The origin of the hymn goes way back to 1912 by evangelist George Bennard. It has since become a country gospel favorite and was recorded multiple times by a somewhat endless number of artists – from Patsy Cline, Merle Haggard to Anne Murray.

13. “Pray” by Merle Haggard

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You may not find any scriptural quotes in this song, but it’s a great reminder to count your blessings and to pay attention to those who are struggling.

14. “Farther Along” by Emmylou Harris, Dolly Parton & Linda Ronstadt

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There are quite a few attributions for the song’s authorship, and it has been recorded by several artists, including Brad Paisley, Johnny Cash, among others. But this version is absolutely a triple treat.

15. “I Do Believe” by Waylon Jennings

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Written by Jennings, “I Do Believe” tells the tale of a man whose faith may have been that strong but still believes in a higher power – “One that loves us one and all.”

Good country gospel music is definitely more than enough to give you the loving push you need. Here are some more Country Gospel Songs you can add to your playlist. 

• Peace in the Valley by Red Foley
• Baptism of Jesse Taylor by Johnny Russell
• If I Give My Soul by Billy Joe Shaver
• Precious Memories by Tammy Wynette
• The Christian Life by Louvin Brothers
• When I Get Where I’m Going by Brad Paisley feat. Dolly Parton
• Something In The Water by Carrie Underwood
• Coat of Many Colors by Dolly Parton
• Thy Will by Hillary Scott & The Scott Family
• Precious Lord Take My Hand by Jim Reeves

So, there you have it! We hope you enjoyed every verse of these country gospel songs as much as we did.