Have you ever heard a tune that seems to fill your soul and lifts your sorrow away? Well, that’s the kind of feeling you may experience when listening to Southern Gospel Songs.
Over the years, listening to gospel music has been a brilliant way to cultivate one’s spirituality, helping one be more devout and feel closer to a higher power. It’s written to express either personal or communal faith regarding biblical teachings and Christian life. It eventually evolved into a popular form of music throughout the United States and overseas, providing an avenue of hope, especially when things seem very bleak.
Yet, you don’t have to be religious to be affected by the power of great music. So, without further ado, we are sharing some of the best Southern Gospel Songs throughout the years. Keep on scrolling below to find out.
1. Amazing Grace
The inspirational hymn “Amazing Grace” has been persistently covered as a song by various artists.
The heartening lyrics were written by English Anglican clergyman and poet John Newton as early as 1779 from his personal experience. Newton grew up without religious convictions, and his life took many twists and turns until he found God.
2. When The Roll Is Called Up Yonder
This 1893 hymn with words and music by James Milton Black has been one of the most popular Christian hymns of all time. “When The Roll is Called Up Yonder” was inspired by the idea of The Book of Life pointed out in the Bible and how the thought of someone not being in attendance in heaven haunted him.
3. The Old Rugged Cross
This popular hymn was written as early as 1912 by American evangelist and song leader George Bennard. In 1952, it became the title track of Ernest Tubb’s gospel album. Since then, “The Old Rugged Cross” has been a country gospel favorite performed by some of the most notable artists.
4. How Great Thou Art
This Christian hymn has been around since 1859, and we have seen many covers throughout the years that “How Great Thou Art” has duly won its place in the hearts of music fans all over the world, instilling a sense of faith and peace.
5. What a Friend We Have in Jesus
“What a Friend We Have in Jesus” was originally written by preacher Joseph M. Scriven as a poem in 1855 to comfort his mother, who was living in Ireland while he was in Canada. Since it was published, the hymn has been recorded with different lyrics in various languages.
6. Blessed Assurance
“Blessed Assurance” is a beautiful song of faith that declares the devotion we have to God. It was written in 1873 by a prolific hymn writer named Fanny Crosby, who’s actually one of the most well-known and well-loved hymn writers in history.
7. I Believe in a Hill Called Mount Calvary
The hymn was written by gospel musician Gloria Gaither with her husband, Bill Gaither, who was a member of the Gaither Vocal Band. It was inspired by the testimony of Corrie Ten Boom and her terrible experience during World War II in Nazi Germany.
For You
8. It Is Well With My Soul
The song was written by a successful lawyer and businessman Horatio G. Spafford during a difficult time of his life when his young son died of pneumonia while most of their business was lost in the great Chicago fire.
9. Because He Lives
This is another song written by couple Bill and Gloria Gaither. It’s a beautiful hymn of how Jesus helps us face tomorrow fearlessly.
10. Sheltered in the Arms of God
What’s even better than being under God’s loving protection? This song is a great reminder that God walks with us every step of the way, even when the storm rages high.
11. Victory in Jesus
This hymn was written by prolific songwriter Eugene M. Bartlett Sr. about how he kept his faith following a paralyzing stroke that left him unable to speak and walk.
12. I’ll Fly Away
“I’ll Fly Away” is one of the most recorded gospel songs and is often used in worship services by various religious groups. One of the most famous recordings was the duet of Alison Krauss and Gillian Welch.
13. The Lighthouse
The song became a huge hit in Southern gospel and remains today as one of the most recorded songs. It tells the story of a man appreciating God for showing him the light around so he might clearly see.
14. He Looked Beyond My Faults
There’s perhaps nothing more beautiful than to belong to a God who loves us unconditionally. It was written by Dottie Rambo for her brother Eddie Luttrell, who had cancer and a few weeks to live. The song served as a reminder that God would take him in despite his failings.
15. Midnight Cry
The Southern Gospel Song was written by brothers Chuck and Greg Day, inspired by the evangelistic service they attended while visiting their parents’ home in Adel, Georgia. When the guest speaker announced that his sermon series would be called the “Midnight Cry,” they knew there was something there.
Great Southern Gospel Songs can truly enrich, cleanse, and fill the soul. So, here are some more for you to relish. The more you listen to it, the more your faith is built.
- Oh What a Savior
- Sweet Beulah Land
- I Surrender All
- Great Is Thy Faithfulness
- ‘Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus
- A Child of The King
- Ten Thousand Angels
- Jesus Is Coming Soon
- I’ve Got That Old Time Religion In My Heart
- We Shall See Jesus
- Sweet Sweet Spirit
- Pass Me Not
- I’ll Meet You in the Morning
- Tell Me the Story of Jesus
- He Hideth My Soul
- Your First Day in Heaven
- When They Ring Those Golden Bells
- How Big Is God?
- Oh I Love Jesus
- There Rose A Lamb by Gold City
- Give The World A Smile
- A Child Of The King
- Whosoever Will May Come to Jesus
- Rose of Sharon
- Child Of The King Beloved
- All in the Name of Jesus
- I’m Climbing Up the Mountain
- Then I Met the Master
- We Shall Behold Him
- Jesus Holds the Keys
- He Knows Just What I Need
- I’m Bound for the Kingdom
- God Said It, I Believe It, That Settles It
- Goodby, World, Goodby
- At The Crossing
Well, we hope you will enjoy this list of Southern Gospel Songs, and these will give you the hope and strength you need.
