Family Bible

Willie Nelson

About Family Bible

"Family Bible" is a song written by country music singer-songwriter Willie Nelson. Nelson began writing the song in 1957, while he enjoyed success as a disc jockey in KVAN, in Vancouver, Washington. After being denied a raise by the station, he moved to Houston, Texas. Due to financial issues he sold the song to Paul Buskirk. Upon purchasing the song, Buskirk took it to singer Claude Gray. Gray's recording of the song reached number seven on Billboard's Hot Country Singles. Fueled by the success of the record, Nelson moved to Nashville, Tennessee, where he enjoyed recognition for writing the song. It became part of Nelson's live performance set, and he recorded it for the first time himself for his 1971 album Yesterday's Wine. 


Year:
1991
83 
#2

 Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!

There's a family Bible on the table
Its pages worn and hard to read
But the family Bible on the table
Will ever be my key to memories

At the end of day when work was over
And when the evening meal was done
Dad would read to us from the family Bible
And we'd count our many blessings one by one

I can see us sittin' round the table
When from the family Bible dad would read
And I can hear my mother softly singing
Rock of ages, rock of ages cleft for me

Now this old world of ours is filled with trouble
This old world would also better be
If we'd found more Bibles on the tables
And mothers singing, rock of ages cleft for me

I can see us sittin' round the table
When from the family Bible dad would read
And I can hear my mother softly singing
Rock of ages, rock of ages cleft for me
Rock of ages, rock of ages cleft for me

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer


Willie Nelson

Willie Hugh Nelson (pronounced /wɪli nɛlsən /; born April 30, 1933) is an American country music singer-songwriter, as well as an author, poet, actor, and activist. The critical success of the album Shotgun Willie (1973), combined with the critical and commercial success of Red Headed Stranger (1975) and Stardust (1978), made Nelson one of the most recognized artists in country music. He was one of the main figures of outlaw country, a subgenre of country music that developed at the end of the 1960s as a reaction to the conservative restrictions of the Nashville sound. Nelson has acted in over 30 films, co-authored several books, and has been involved in activism for the use of biofuels and the legalization of marijuana. more »

17 fans

Written by: Willie Nelson

Lyrics © GLAD MUSIC CO., Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Song Origin
"Family Bible" was actually written by Willie Nelson. He wrote the song early in his career, even before he became a popular country singer.
Early Sales
Despite being its original writer, Nelson sold the song for a mere $50 during a moment of financial difficulties. He sold it to his guitar instructor, Paul Buskirk, who wanted to record and release it.
Initial Release
Claude Gray was the first artist to record and release "Family Bible," not Willie Nelson. The song was a hit for Gray, reaching number seven on the Billboard's Hot Country Singles chart in 1960.
Song Theme
"Family Bible" centers around the theme of faith and is considered one of the classic gospel country songs. The song reflects on the significance of the bible to a family, underscoring its role as a source of comfort.
Nelson's Version
Though Willie Nelson didn't originally record "Family Bible," he eventually recorded his own version of the song, which was released in 1971 as part of the album "Yesterday's Wine."
Song Recognition
"Family Bible" is considered an important song in Nelson's discography. It was one of the earliest indicators of his songwriting abilities and was critical in establishing his career.
Songwriter Credit
Nelson didn't immediately get songwriter credit for "Family Bible." After selling the song, the songwriting credit initially went to Paul Buskirk, Walt Breeland, and Claude Gray. Over the years, though, Nelson's contribution as the song's true writer has been widely recognized.
Song's Influence
"Family Bible" had a profound influence on country music. It paved the way for other country gospel songs and is frequently covered by other artists, reaffirming its timeless appeal.
Recognition and Awards
In 1996, the song was recognized with a BMI award for Willie Nelson. The song continues to be considered a classic in the genre of country music.
Cultural Impact
The song was part of Willie Nelson's effort to legitimize country music as an American art form. It highlighted the genre's ability to tackle deep and personal themes such as faith and familial bonds.

Discuss the Family Bible Lyrics with the community:

0 Comments

    Citation

    Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:

    Style:MLAChicagoAPA

    "Family Bible Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 28 Mar. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/368314/Willie+Nelson/Family+Bible>.

    Missing lyrics by Willie Nelson?

    Know any other songs by Willie Nelson? Don't keep it to yourself!

    Watch the song video

    Family Bible

    8,845
    145     2

    Browse Lyrics.com

    Quiz

    Are you a music master?

    »
    What is the theme song to the movie: Casper?
    A Jordan Hill - Remember Me This Way
    B Phil Collins - Against All Odds
    C Survivor - Eye of the Tiger
    D Ray Parker Jr. - Ghostbusters

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Chrome

    Get instant explanation for any lyrics that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Firefox

    Get instant explanation for any acronym or abbreviation that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Don't miss Willie Nelson's

    Upcoming Events

    »
    Willie Nelson tracks

    On Radio Right Now

    Loading...

    Powered by OnRad.io


    Think you know music? Test your MusicIQ here!