About the song
“There Was Jesus” is a poignant collaboration between Christian rock artist Zach Williams and country music icon Dolly Parton, released on October 3, 2019, as the second single from Williams’s album, Rescue Story. This heartfelt song resonates deeply with its listeners and garnered significant acclaim, including a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song at the 2021 Grammy Awards.
Co-written by Zach Williams, Jonathan Smith, and Casey Beathard, “There Was Jesus” explores themes of faith, reflection, and the realization of God’s presence in life’s struggles. Williams shared that the song was inspired by moments from his own life, where he discovered in hindsight that God had been with him all along, even during the toughest times. The lyrics serve as a testimony to the comforting assurance that divine guidance and love are always present, even in adversity.
The collaboration with Dolly Parton came about serendipitously. After completing the song, Williams expressed a desire to have Parton record it with him. Upon hearing “There Was Jesus,” Parton was moved by its message and agreed to join Williams in the studio. Reflecting on the experience, Williams described it as an honor and a privilege to work with Parton, highlighting her genuine and down-to-earth personality. He emphasized that Parton’s presence and sincerity added a special depth to the song that he was eager for audiences to experience.
The debut live performance of “There Was Jesus” by Williams and Parton took place at the 53rd Annual CMA Awards on November 13, 2019, further solidifying the song’s impact and emotional resonance. The performance showcased their powerful vocal chemistry and mutual respect, captivating the audience and reinforcing the song’s message of hope and spiritual connection.
“There Was Jesus” continues to inspire and uplift listeners with its message of faith and reassurance. It stands as a testament to the enduring power of music to convey profound spiritual truths and touch hearts across different genres and audiences.
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 (Mmm)
For forgiveness at a price I couldn’t pay (Mmm)
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