About the song
“There Was Jesus” by Zach Williams and the incomparable Dolly Parton. This song isn’t just a powerful duet; it’s a testament to spiritual constancy, a comforting reminder that guidance and grace can be found even in life’s most challenging moments.
Released in 2019, “There Was Jesus” quickly became a standout hit in the contemporary Christian music landscape, and for good reason. The pairing of Zach Williams – with his gravelly, soulful voice that often carries the weight of a redemption story – and Dolly Parton – whose iconic clarity and inherent warmth have been a comforting presence for decades – might seem unexpected on paper, but it proved to be an inspired stroke of genius. Their voices blend with a natural harmony, each bringing a distinct texture that enriches the song’s profound lyrical content. It’s a collaboration that feels less like a calculated crossover and more like two artists genuinely connecting over a shared belief.
The song’s message is beautifully straightforward and deeply resonant. It’s a reflective narrative, looking back at life’s pivotal moments – both the triumphs and the tribulations – and recognizing a consistent, guiding presence throughout. “In the waiting, in the searching / In the joy and in the hurting / When I couldn’t see, you were there with me,” they sing, articulating a universal truth for those of faith: that even when circumstances are confusing or difficult, there is a constant, unwavering source of strength and comfort. This theme of looking back on one’s journey and seeing divine intervention or spiritual support is particularly poignant for an older audience, who have experienced enough of life’s ups and downs to appreciate such a steadying perspective.
Musically, “There Was Jesus” is built as a stirring contemporary gospel ballad, infused with clear country influences. The instrumentation is robust but never overwhelming, allowing the powerful vocals and the poignant lyrics to take center stage. The melody is memorable and uplifting, swelling at just the right moments to emphasize the emotional weight of the message. Both Zach Williams and Dolly Parton deliver their lines with a heartfelt sincerity that makes the song feel deeply personal, almost like a testimony shared between trusted friends. It’s a song that offers solace, hope, and a powerful sense of reassurance, solidifying its place as a beloved anthem of faith that continues to uplift listeners.
Video
Lyrics
Every time I tried to make it on my own
Every time I tried to stand and start to fall
And all those lonely roads that I have travelled on
There was Jesus
When the life I built came crashing to the ground
When the friends I had were nowhere to be found
I couldn’t see it then but I can see it now
There was Jesus
In the waiting, in the searching
In the healing and the hurting
Like a blessing buried in the broken pieces
Every minute, every moment
Where I’ve been and where I’m going
Even when I didn’t know it or couldn’t see it
There was Jesus
For this man who needs amazing kind of grace (mm)
For forgiveness at a price I couldn’t pay (mm)
I’m not perfect so I thank God every day
There was Jesus (there was Jesus)
In the waiting, in the searching
In the healing and the hurting
Like a blessing buried in the broken pieces
Every minute, every moment
Where I’ve been and where I’m going
Even when I didn’t know it or couldn’t see it
There was Jesus
On the mountain, in the valleys (there was Jesus)
In the shadows of the alleys (there was Jesus)
In the fire, in the flood (there was Jesus)
Always is and always was
No, I never walk alone (never walk alone)
You are always there
In the waiting, in the searching
In the healing and the hurting
Like a blessing buried in the broken pieces
Every minute (Every minute), every moment (every moment)
Where I’ve been and where I’m going
Even when I didn’t know it or couldn’t see it
There was Jesus
There was Jesus
There was Jesus
There was Jesus
