Celebrate the Heart of Country, Americana, and Roots Music!

Drop Us A Line, Y'all

Y'all interested in advertising, partnering up, contributing stories, joining our team, or just got a question? Well, don't be shy, drop us a line!

Follow Us

God Always Watches Over Us, As Revealed in “His Eye is on the Sparrow” By Dottie West

His Eyes is on the Sparrow + Dottie West
by
  • Arden is a Senior Country Music Journalist for Country Thang Daily, specializing in classic hits and contemporary chart-toppers.
  • Prior to joining Country Thang Daily, Arden wrote for Billboard and People magazine, covering country music legends and emerging artists.
  • Arden holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Tennessee, with a minor in Music Studies.

“His Eye Is on the Sparrow” by Dottie West is a gospel song originally written by Civilla D. Martin and Charles H. Gabriel. There were several interpretations of the song, including Mahalia Jackson’s version, which garnered a Grammy Hall of Fame Award in 2010. The title is also used for Ethel Waters’ autobiography.

Dottie West was a talented songwriter and country music singer. During her time, she was considered one of the most influential female artists, along with her fellow singers Loretta Lynn and Patsy Cline. She started her career with her top single, “Here Comes My Baby Back Again,” which earned her a Grammy Award for Best Female Country Vocal Performance. Other popular Dottie West songs include “What Are We Doin’ in Love,” “All I Ever Need Is You,” and “Every Time Two Fools Collide,” which are duets with Kenny Rogers. West also appeared in several films. 

What is the Inspiration Behind the Song

“His Eye Is on the Sparrow” by Dottie West is actually inspired by the words in the bible, particularly in the Gospel of Matthew, which says, “I will instruct thee… in the way…I will guide thee with mine eye.”

According to the song’s writer, Civilla Martin, the scriptures were her inspiration in writing the song. In addition, she was also inspired by the couple whom she and her husband met while they were in Elmira, New York. Civilla revealed that Mr. and Mrs. Doolittle was genuine saints of God. Mr. Doolittle is crippled and rides in his wheelchair so he can get to and from his business. While Mrs. Doolittle had been bedridden for almost twenty years. 

Despite their challenges, they remain living as happy Christians, making them a great inspiration to the people who knew them. One day, Civilla’s husband asked them what is their secret. Mrs. Doolittle simply replied, “His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches over me.” This eternal faith gripped the hearts of Civilla and inspired her to write the song “His Eye Is on the Sparrow.”

Dottie West’s rendition of “His Eye Is on the Sparrow” is so comforting. 

Get yourself inspired by watching the video of the song below:

Latest Stories

Miranda Lambert and Chris Stapleton perform together in a bar setting for their duet “A Song to Sing.

Miranda Lambert and Chris Stapleton’s “A Song to Sing” Duet Feels Like an Instant Classic

Sometimes country music gives you a line so pure it feels like it’s been here forever, and that’s exactly what Miranda Lambert and Chris Stapleton just pulled off with “A ...

Blake Shelton and Noah Cyrus standing side by side with microphones, performing their new country duet together.

Noah Cyrus Teams Up With Blake Shelton for New Country Duet and Fans Are Loving It

Sometimes country music needs a little shot of something wild, and Noah Cyrus just poured it straight into Blake Shelton’s glass. It’s not every day you see the Voice coach ...

George Strait performing on stage with his guitar and cowboy hat, pictured at a previous event not related to the upcoming Strait From the Heart benefit concert.

George Strait Will Play “Strait to the Heart” Benefit Concert to Raise Money for Flood Victims

Some kings wear crowns, some kings wear boots, and show up when the water’s rising. George Strait, the King of Country himself, is stepping up once again for the people ...

Blake Shelton smiles on stage with guitar and mic during Vegas show, putting his own spin on George Strait’s classic.

Blake Shelton Nails George Strait Classic With His Own Spin on “All My Ex’s Live in Texas”

Sometimes you don’t mess with a George Strait classic, unless you’re Blake Shelton standing under the Vegas lights with a grin that says you’re about to pay tribute and stir ...

Dolly Parton smiles during Khloé podcast interview, sitting by mic and lamp as she shares why she won't stop sharing faith.

Dolly Parton Says People Tell Her To Stop Talking About Her Faith But She Won’t Listen

If there’s one thing you can count on Dolly Parton for, it’s that she’ll say exactly what’s on her heart and not give a single rhinestone what anyone thinks. In ...

Little Mississippi boy in plaid shirt smiles at mic during preschool graduation where he recited New Testament books and sang a George Strait classic.

4-Year-Old Boy Recites New Testament Books Then Belts Out ‘All My Ex’s Live in Texas’

If there’s ever been a preschool graduation that screams “God bless the South,” this is it. Somewhere in Mississippi, a four-year-old kid just made the entire congregation beam with pride ...

Young George Strait smiling on stage playing guitar in 1987 when “All My Ex’s Live in Texas” hit No. 1 and proved he ran country.

On This Day in 1987, George Strait Hit No. 1 with ‘All My Ex’s Live in Texas’ and Proved He Ran Country

Sometimes a song just cements your throne forever, and for George Strait, it was a little tongue-in-cheek love letter that made every Texan proud to claim him as their king. ...

Scotty McCreery with his wife and both grandmothers, who he revealed passed away hours apart in a heartbreaking double loss.

Scotty McCreery Reveals Both His Grandmothers Died Hours Apart in Heartbreaking Double Loss

You just don’t see some country heartbreaks coming, and this one hit Scotty McCreery straight in the soul. This week, the North Carolina native and Opry favorite shared the gut-wrenching ...

Brooks & Dunn performing on stage together, fitting their story about admitting they struggled to get along for years.

Brooks and Dunn Admit They Struggled to Get Along for Years and Tried to Blow It Real Hard

Country music’s greatest duo was basically a bar fight waiting to happen. When Brooks & Dunn stormed out of the gate with “Brand New Man” in 1991, it looked like ...

LeAnn Rimes and Eddie Cibrian smiling outdoors, not taken when she spoke about feeling hated after their affair scandal.

LeAnn Rimes Says So Many Women Hated Her After Affair With Eddie Cibrian and She Felt Like a Target

Ain’t every country ballad pretty, and LeAnn Rimes knows her verse is messy as hell. View this post on Instagram A post shared by leann rimes cibrian (@leannrimes) Back in ...