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Eddy Arnold’s Two Versions of “May the Good Lord Bless and Keep You”

May the Good Lord Bless and Keep You + Eddy Arnold
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.

Many known country musicians have sung their versions of “May the Good Lord Bless and Keep You” by Meredith Willson, including Nashville sound innovator, Eddy Arnold. One of the many ethereal Eddy Arnold songs, the lyrics of the song is what you would want to say to your loved one as it perfectly encapsulates a beautiful prayer.

Originally released in 1950, the song is notably popular as there are many versions of it sung by several artists. It was also featured by some media programs, but it was believed to be most popular as a regular feature song on Kate Smith’s early 1950s TV show.

Eddy Arnold, also known as The Tennessee Plowboy, recorded his version of the song in 1950. It was released under RCA Records as catalog number 20-0425 and under His Master’s Voice as catalog number MH 148, and successfully peaked at no. 8 in the charts under his album “Faithfully Yours.” Other famous Eddy Arnold songs include “Make the World Go Away,” “It’s a Sin,” and “Cattle Call.”

Different Versions of “May the Good Lord Bless and Keep You” by Eddy Arnold

When you search “May the Good Lord Bless and Keep You” by Eddy Arnold on YouTube, you’ll find that there are two distinct versions of the song: one is more upbeat and fast, while the other is more mellow and slow.

The first one is the original version of the song, released under the album Faithfully Yours. It’s slightly more upbeat, the tempo is faster, and the instrumental is more evident. It’s the version of the song that most people know of.

Listen to the version of “May the Good Lord Bless and Keep You” by Eddy Arnold, released under the album Faithfully Yours, on the video below.

The other version of the song was released under the compilation When It’s Round-Up Time In Heaven: The Great Gospel Recordings just in 2017. This version has a slower tempo than the other and makes use of fewer instrumentals and sounds, mainly an acoustic guitar. This effectively highlights and focuses on Arnold’s singing, which, in a way, makes the listener appreciate his voice more.

Listen to the version of “May the Good Lord Bless and Keep You” by Eddy Arnold, released under the compilation When It’s Round-Up Time In Heaven: The Great Gospel Recordings.

Which version of “May the Good Lord Bless and Keep You” by Eddy Arnold do you like more?

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