George Strait – “God and Country Music” (with Harvey Strait): A Reverent Tribute to the Things That Never Fade
In a career defined by humility, tradition, and timeless songs, George Strait has always known the value of a lyric that speaks straight to the heart. In “God and Country Music,” a standout track from his 2019 album Honky Tonk Time Machine, Strait reflects on the two great forces that have shaped so much of American life—and his own: faith and music. But what makes this recording even more special is the appearance of a very personal guest: his grandson, Harvey Strait, who quietly but powerfully joins him to close out the song.
Written by Luke Laird, Barry Dean, and Lori McKenna, “God and Country Music” is a ballad built on contrasts and constants. It reminds us that even as the world spins faster and traditions fade, some things remain eternal—like the comfort of an old hymn or a George Jones song on a jukebox. “God and country music,” the chorus declares, “are like whiskey and a prayer—like a cross and a fiddle.” It’s not just clever wordplay. It’s a deep truth set to melody, resonating with anyone who grew up believing in the power of both Sunday mornings and Saturday nights.
George Strait’s voice, seasoned and steady, carries the lyrics with quiet conviction. There’s no overproduction here—just a simple piano, gentle steel guitar, and that unmistakable Strait phrasing that turns even the smallest lines into something deeply human. He sounds not like a superstar, but like a grandfather telling a story he knows by heart.
The most touching moment comes at the very end, when young Harvey Strait, George’s grandson, softly joins in for the final refrain. His voice is tender and unsure, but it doesn’t need to be perfect—it’s symbolic. A legacy being passed down. The sound of faith, family, and music crossing generations.
In an age where so much is temporary, “God and Country Music” stands as a reminder that some values endure. And in pairing his voice with his grandson’s, George Strait reminds us that the things worth holding on to—honor, belief, and good songs—don’t belong to one generation. They’re meant to be handed down, just like this song.