Don't Think Jesus

Album: One Thing at a Time (2022)
Charted: 7
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Chase McGill, Jessi Alexander and Mark Holman penned this emotional ballad about a country singer who leads a wild life. Shocked at his drinking, womanizing and drug-taking, the country community banishes him. Out of desperation, he turns to Jesus, and in the chorus he wonders why Christ would save a debauched man like him.
  • Each verse puts a twist on "I don't think Jesus done it that way," a nod to Waylon Jennings' "Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way?"
  • The song paints a picture of Morgan Wallen's own experiences. While building a reputation for songs about alcohol and women, the country singer adopted the dissolute lifestyle himself. His depraved behavior climaxed on February 2, 2021, when TMZ posted a video of a drunken Wallen yelling the n-word at a white buddy as they entered his Nashville home. Most country radio stations and major streaming services quickly pulled his music.
  • Chase McGill, Jessi Alexander and Mark Holman penned "Don't Think Jesus" with Wallen in mind. They sent him the track, and he played it on his way home after playing golf. Wallen admitted he shed some tears in his truck.
  • After recording the gospel-country waltz with his Dangerous producer Joey Moi, Wallen released "Don't Think Jesus" on Good Friday, April 15, 2022. "To get to hear him sing it with so much soul and conviction makes me feel like I just got a big ol hug from the man upstairs," said Jessi Alexander.
  • "Don't Think Jesus" landed at #1 on the Country chart in its first week, becoming Morgan Wallen's third song to open at the peak position. "7 Summers" and "Wasted On You" also debuted on the summit.

Comments: 3

  • Faye Sheets from Sneedville, Tn 37869Morgan Wallen is the best Songwriter and Singer ever
  • Pw from North CarolineMaren and the whole country music establishment owes Morgan an apology for erroneously attacking him. Cancel culture is so quick to hop on a band wagon without looking at all the facts. I think Maren is a good song writer, but Morgan has blown her away and this may be a resentment that she having.
  • Denise from TennesseeThe left including Maren Morris tried to kill his music but it has by far passed the ones who bashed him..Its like the fans are the only ones who see he didn't mean nothing by what he said they tried to make it look like he was racist which was WRONG and Morgan just hold on ur day is coming back to the award shows..I do not listen to Maren Morris music any longer!!! She was wrong about nothing she knew anything about...U go Morgan the fans are behind u..
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Kip Winger

Kip WingerSongwriter Interviews

The Winger frontman reveals the Led Zeppelin song he cribbed for "Seventeen," and explains how his passion for orchestra music informs his songwriting.

Adam Schlesinger of Fountains of Wayne

Adam Schlesinger of Fountains of WayneSongwriter Interviews

The guy who brought us "Stacy's Mom" also wrote the Jane Lynch Emmy song and Stephen Colbert's Christmas songs.

Rob Thomas of Matchbox Twenty

Rob Thomas of Matchbox TwentySongwriter Interviews

Rob Thomas on his Social Distance Sessions, co-starring with a camel, and his friendship with Carlos Santana.

The Punk Photography of Chris Stein

The Punk Photography of Chris SteinSong Writing

Chris Stein of Blondie shares photos and stories from his book about the New York City punk scene.

Ron and Russell Mael of Sparks

Ron and Russell Mael of SparksSongwriter Interviews

The men of Sparks on their album Hippopotamus, and how Morrissey handled it when they suggested he lighten up.

Jack Blades of Night Ranger and Damn Yankees

Jack Blades of Night Ranger and Damn YankeesSongwriter Interviews

Revisit the awesome glory of Night Ranger and Damn Yankees: cheesily-acted videos, catchy guitar licks, long hair, and lyrics that are just plain relatable.