The Meaning Behind The Song: God’s Country by Blake Shelton
Country music has always been intricately linked to the values and traditions of rural America. It speaks of hard work, family values, and a deep appreciation for nature. Blake Shelton, one of country music’s most prominent artists, has made a name for himself with songs that are not just entertaining but also meaningful. “God’s Country,” his latest single, is a song that embodies the very spirit of country music, with its powerful lyrics, stirring music, and evocative visuals. In this article, we will explore the meaning behind “God’s Country,” its origins, and why it has become such a hit with audiences all over the world.
The Inspirations Behind “God’s Country”
“God’s Country” was co-written by Michael Hardy, Devin Dawson, and Jordan Schmidt, and released in 2019 as Blake Shelton’s lead single in his upcoming album “Fully Loaded: God’s Country.” In an interview with SiriusXM’s “The Highway,” Shelton revealed that he heard the song for the first time while recording another song in the studio. He couldn’t resist the energy and the emotion of the song and knew instantly that he wanted to record it.
The song was inspired by the landscape of Southern California, where Hardy, Dawson, and Schmidt had traveled for a songwriting session. In an interview with Sounds Like Nashville, Hardy said, “When we got out there, we realized how beautiful it was out there… And that’s kind of what sparked the whole idea.” The songwriters were struck by the rugged beauty of the landscape, its vastness, and the sense of freedom it evoked.
For Shelton, “God’s Country” resonated with his upbringing in rural Oklahoma. “It’s in your blood,” Shelton said of the song’s message. “You hear it, and you just go, ‘Man, that’s it. That’s the way I grew up. That’s what I was raised around. I know exactly what this song is talking about.'”
The Lyrics and Music of “God’s Country”
“God’s Country” is a song that celebrates the beauty and the harshness of nature. Its lyrics speak of the awe-inspiring power of the landscape, the struggle to survive in a place where the elements can be unforgiving, and the sense of belonging that comes from living in such a place. The song opens with the lines:
Right outside of this one church town
There’s a gold dirt road to a whole lot of nothin’
Got a deed to the land, but it ain’t my ground
This is God’s country
The song’s chorus is a powerful statement of pride and defiance:
Yeah, I saw the light in the sunrise
Sittin’ back in the 40 on the muddy riverside
Gettin’ baptized in holy water and shine
With the dogs runnin’
Merle Haggard on the jukebox
Sipping on a cold one
Chasing that neon rainbow
To me, that sounds like God’s country
The music of “God’s Country” is just as stirring as its lyrics. It features a driving beat, heavy guitars, and a chorus that begs to be sung along with. The music video, too, is a work of art, with its sweeping landscapes, evocative visuals, and powerful message. As of 2021, the “God’s Country” music video has over 236 million views on YouTube.
The Message and Impact of “God’s Country”
“God’s Country” has struck a chord with audiences all over the world, especially those who grew up in rural areas. Its message of pride, resilience, and the value of hard work and independence is one that many people can relate to. The song has become an anthem for rural America, and a reminder that there is still beauty and purity to be found in a world that can often seem chaotic and complex.
Blake Shelton has said that recording “God’s Country” was one of the most meaningful experiences of his career. “It’s completely changed my life,” he said. “I’m not sure I’ve ever had a song that hit me in the soul as much as this song has.”
The song has also been critically acclaimed. It won the Single of the Year award at the 2019 Country Music Association Awards and the Song of the Year award at the 2020 Academy of Country Music Awards. In addition, it has spent more than 38 weeks on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, where it peaked at number one in June 2019.
Conclusion
“God’s Country” is a song that embodies the very spirit of country music. Its powerful lyrics, stirring music, and evocative visuals celebrate the beauty and the harshness of nature, and remind us of the values and traditions of rural America. The song has become an anthem for people all over the world who appreciate the simple things in life and who take pride in their roots. Blake Shelton’s recording of “God’s Country” is a testament to the power of music to inspire, to unite, and to move us in ways that we never thought possible.
