About The Song
In the extraordinary career of Reba McEntire, Because He Lives, released in 2017 as part of her gospel album Sing It Now: Songs of Faith & Hope, stands as a powerful testament to the enduring hope of Christian faith. Written by Gloria and William J. Gaither in 1971, this beloved hymn is brought to life with Reba’s soulful and heartfelt delivery, featured on a double-disc collection that topped Billboard’s Top Christian Albums chart and earned a 2018 Grammy for Best Roots Gospel Album. For those who cherish music’s ability to uplift and fortify, this song is a steadfast anchor, evoking memories of church services and the quiet assurance of divine presence. Its stirring melody and Reba’s emotive vocals resonate deeply with mature listeners, who may have experienced it during her 2017 Ryman Auditorium performances or embraced it as a pillar of her gospel legacy.
The song opens with a gentle piano and soft strings, produced by Reba alongside Doug Sisemore and Jay DeMarcus of Rascal Flatts, setting a reverent tone that builds into a triumphant gospel swell. The arrangement, featuring Jonathan Yudkin’s delicate fiddle and a warm choir, blends traditional hymnody with modern country-gospel warmth, driven by Chris McHugh’s subtle percussion. Reba’s voice, rich with Oklahoma conviction, carries the lyrics with a nurturing strength: “Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.” For those who first heard it on February 3, 2017, via Nash Icon Records, or saw it performed on the My Chains Are Gone DVD, it’s a nostalgic reminder of Reba’s gift for infusing sacred songs with profound authenticity, as noted on Spotify and Genius.
Lyrically, Because He Lives is a cornerstone of modern gospel, offering a message of resilience: “God sent His Son, they called Him Jesus / He came to love, heal, and forgive.” The chorus, with its declaration that “all fear is gone” because of Christ’s resurrection, speaks to the heart of faith, as shared on Lyrics.com. For older listeners, who may have sung this in congregations or leaned on it during personal trials, Reba’s rendition feels like a warm embrace, reinforcing the promise of hope amidst life’s uncertainties. A 2017 Sounds Like Nashville review praised her “powerful, faith-filled delivery,” noting its ability to connect with those seeking spiritual solace.
Musically, the track is a model of emotional balance, with its gradual crescendo and gospel choir harmonies creating a sense of communal uplift, as detailed on Shazam. Recorded at Nashville’s Blackbird Studios, its performance at the Ryman, captured on YouTube, moved audiences, with Reba’s emotive presence earning heartfelt applause, per Country Now. The song’s inclusion alongside hymns like When The Roll Is Called Up Yonder and originals like Back to God reflects Reba’s lifelong faith, shaped by her mother’s influence, as she shared in a 2017 CCM Magazine interview. Its resonance, echoed in covers by artists like Bill Gaither, underscores its enduring place in gospel’s canon.
For fans who’ve followed Reba’s journey—from her 1976 debut to her The Voice coaching and 2024 sitcom Happy’s Place—this track is a testament to her spiritual depth. Whether rediscovered on SoundCloud or cherished on CD, Because He Lives invites you to pause and find strength in its timeless promise. It’s a reminder that gospel music, through Reba’s voice, can be a beacon of hope, offering a melody that carries the soul through life’s trials with unwavering faith.