About the song
“God Love Her” by Toby Keith is a compelling country song that made waves upon its release in November 2008 as the second single from his album *That Don’t Make Me a Bad Guy*. Co-written by Toby Keith and Vicky McGehee, the song quickly climbed to the top of the US Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, marking Keith’s 18th number one hit.
**Content**
“God Love Her” is set to a moderate up-tempo rhythm accentuated by electric guitar, creating a dynamic backdrop for its narrative. The song revolves around the narrator’s affection for a preacher’s daughter, portrayed as a rebellious spirit baptized in “dirty water.” Despite her wild streak, she becomes instrumental in saving the narrator’s soul from the clutches of the devil. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of their journey, intertwining themes of faith, love, and redemption.
**Critical Reception**
Critics had mixed reactions to “God Love Her.” Jim Malec from The 9513 praised the song’s execution and Keith’s vocal delivery, noting a sense of urgency that added depth to the track. Conversely, Dan Milliken of Country Universe gave a more reserved review, describing the song as cheesy and overblown, suggesting it sounded more like southern rock than traditional country, despite Keith’s established status in the genre.
**Music Video**
Directed by Michael Salomon, the music video for “God Love Her” was released on October 20, 2008. It features actress Jillian Nelson embodying the preacher’s daughter described in the song. The video effectively captures the song’s narrative, showing Nelson alone in a church, running through the woods with a boy, and riding on the back of a motorcycle through the countryside. Interspersed with these scenes are shots of Toby Keith performing the song, both outside the church and inside a house, adding visual context to the lyrics.
“God Love Her” achieved significant success on CMT’s Top Twenty Countdown, reaching the top spot on January 30, 2009, where it remained for two consecutive weeks. The video’s visual storytelling complemented the song’s narrative, enhancing its impact and appeal to country music fans.
In conclusion, “God Love Her” stands as a testament to Toby Keith’s ability to blend storytelling prowess with musical craftsmanship. Its success on the charts and positive reception underscore its resonance with audiences, highlighting Toby Keith’s enduring influence in contemporary country music. The song’s exploration of faith, love, and personal redemption through vivid imagery and spirited performance solidifies its place among Toby Keith’s notable contributions to the genre.
Video
Lyrics
Just a girl born in Dixie
Washed in blood and
Raised on the banks
Of the Mississippi mud
She always had a thing about
Falling in love with a bad boy
And they could see it all comin’
But her daddy never dreamed
She’d grow up that fast
You know what I mean
The way a girl gets
When she turns 17
Kinda crazyShe’s a rebel child
And a preacher’s daughter
She was baptized in dirty water
Her mama cried the first time they caught her with me
They knew they couldn’t stop her
She holds tight
To me and the Bible
On the back seat of my motorcycle
Left her daddy standing there
Preaching to the choir you see
God love her
Oh, me and God love herShe kissed her mama goodbye
Said, “I’ll be sure and phone ya,”
She called her from the truck stop
In Tuscon, Arizona
Amazing grace
We made California alive
And then my gypsy life
Started taking its toll
And the fast lane got empty and out of control
And just like an angel
She saved my soul from the devilShe’s a rebel child
And a preacher’s daughter
She was baptized in dirty water
Her mama cried the first time they caught her with me
They knew they couldn’t stop her
She holds tight
To me and the Bible
On the back seat of my motorcycle
Left her daddy standing there
Preaching to the choir you see
God love her
Oh, me and God love herNow she holds tight
To me and the Bible
On the back seat of my motorcycle
Left her daddy standing there
Preaching to the choir you see
God love her
Oh, me and God love her
God love her
Me and God love her