Don’t pray for lighter loads. Pray for a stronger back.
“Stronger Back” may be far down the list of Don Williams’ 2014 album, “Reflections,” but the lyrical content will certainly empower any downtrodden soul who’ll care to listen.
Amidst all the frantic clamors we see in the world we’re living in today, a quick listen to the Gentle Giants’ voice is enough to maintain our composure.
Stronger Back: A Cover from Doug Gill’s Debut Album
Along with “Healing Hands” (Steve Gillette & Rex Benson), “Sing Me Back Home” (Merle Haggard), and “I’ll Be Here in the Morning” (Townes Van Zandt) which all became a hit, “Stronger Back” penned by Doug Hill is undeniably a stand out in the whole collection.
Doug Gill is a poet and a songwriter based in Nashville, Tennessee.“Stronger Back” is the title of his debut album. For the inspiration, Gill narrated that the song came like a gift from heaven. Not long after the 9/11 tragedy, Gill had a divorce and went bankrupt. He drove south to Florida where he thought he could recuperate. On his way, he saw a church signboard that helped him got back on his toes. On the board was the statement, “Don’t pray for a lighter load. Pray for a Stronger Back.”
P.S. If you’re curious as to what Doug Gill sound like with his song, here’s a clip.
Reflection: The Gentle Giants’ Final Masterpiece
“Reflections” was Don Williams’ 30th album which he recorded at age 74. It’s a song collection from both new and tenured songwriters including Merle Haggard and Townes Van Zandt. A great singer and an interpreter, “Reflections” can be best equated as simple,but essential life lessons from our Gentle Giant. In addition, the album could well pass as the perfect capstone to his life. Those seven decades were spent well in weaving beautiful music.