About The Song
In the remarkable journey of Reba McEntire, Back to God, released in January 2017 as the lead single from her gospel album Sing It Now: Songs of Faith & Hope, stands as a powerful call to spiritual renewal. Written by Randy Houser and Dallas Davidson, this stirring anthem blends country’s heartfelt storytelling with gospel’s uplifting fervor, earning a No. 1 spot on Billboard’s Top Christian Albums chart and a Grammy for Best Roots Gospel Album in 2018. For those who cherish music’s ability to inspire and heal, this song is a fervent prayer, evoking memories of faith rediscovered amid life’s storms. Its soaring melody and Reba’s impassioned vocals resonate deeply with mature listeners, who may recall its radio impact or its moving performance at the 2017 ACM Awards.
The song opens with a gentle piano and acoustic guitar, produced by Reba and Jay DeMarcus, setting a reflective tone that builds into a triumphant gospel crescendo. The arrangement, featuring Jonathan Yudkin’s fiddle and a swelling choir, amplifies the song’s emotional arc, with Reba’s voice—rich with Oklahoma grit and grace—soaring on lines like “You gotta get down on your knees, believe / Fold your hands and beg and plead.” For those who first heard it on Christian and country radio, where it peaked at No. 33 on Billboard’s Hot Christian Songs, or saw its video on CMT, it’s a nostalgic beacon of Reba’s spiritual homecoming, as noted on Genius and Spotify.
Lyrically, Back to God is a clarion call to return to faith in a fractured world: “Give the world back to God / Before He sets the world on fire.” The verses address societal strife—“Oh, have you looked around? / Have you heard the sound of Mama’s cryin’?”—while the chorus urges surrender to divine guidance. These lines, as shared on Lyrics.com, resonate with listeners who’ve witnessed personal or collective turmoil, offering hope through spiritual reconnection. For older audiences, who may have leaned on faith during life’s trials, Reba’s delivery—described in a 2017 Taste of Country review as “vocally flawless”—provides a timeless reminder of grace’s enduring power.
Musically, the track is a masterclass in blending country and gospel, with a dynamic build that mirrors its message of revival. The choir’s presence, recorded at Nashville’s Starstruck Studios, adds a communal uplift, as noted on Shazam. Its performance at the Ryman Auditorium, captured on the My Chains Are Gone DVD, moved audiences, with Reba’s conviction earning accolades, per Billboard. The song’s cultural impact, including a 2020 re-recording with Lauren Daigle, reflects its lasting resonance. For fans who’ve followed Reba’s path—from her 1976 debut to her The Voice tenure—this track is a pinnacle of her gospel legacy.
Whether rediscovered on YouTube or cherished on CD, Back to God invites you to reflect and find strength in its fervent call. It’s a reminder that gospel music, through Reba’s voice, can ignite the soul, offering a melody that carries the hope of redemption and the courage to trust again.