Jesus Got A Hold of My Life – Stories Behind the Songs

This song is one of my earlier Christian songs and one of the first songs that was recorded by other artists. In 1972 we did an album called “Peace, Joy and Love” and when we were going through the material the producer asked if I had any other material.” I told him I had one other song and that I didn’t think he’d be interested.

My wife, Linda, said, “Sing him that one you just wrote.” I thought it was so simple that I was kind of embarrassed about it and our producer, Phil, said, “No, no, sing it!”

I played Jesus Got A Hold of My Life and he said, “Oh, that’s the song on the album.” Ended up The Imperials cut it, the Bill Gaither Trio, Truth and a whole bunch of other groups did as well. Not only did I learn that what I thought might be a good song wasn’t necessarily – I also learned that what wasn’t might be.

This video is exactly what it sounded like the first time I ever played it on my guitar.

Jesus got ahold of my life and He won’t let me go!
Jesus got into my heart; He got into my soul!
I used to be oh so sad,
But now I’m just so free and so glad,
‘Cause Jesus got ahold of my life and He won’t let go!

Sometimes I remember how I used to be livin’ in sin;
I tried to act happy and free but I wasn’t within;
I fooled a lot of friends of mine,
They tho’t I had some peace of mind,
But I never had a thing until I opened up and let Jesus in!

Jesus got ahold of my life and He won’t let me go!
Jesus got into my heart; He got into my soul!
I used to be oh so sad,
But now I’m just so free and so glad,
‘Cause Jesus got ahold of my life and He won’t let go!

Aren’t you getting’ just a bit tired of foolin’ around?
You try to laugh your way thro’ life but you’re not gainin’ ground;
Why not try the Lord today,
Just ask Him in your heart to stay,
And you’ll find Jesus’ love to be the greatest thing that you’ve ever found!

Jesus got ahold of my life and He won’t let me go!
Jesus got into my heart; He got into my soul!
I used to be oh so sad,
But now I’m just so free and so glad,
‘Cause Jesus got ahold of my life and He won’t let go

I always love the chance to share stories like this – I hope you enjoy it. Thank you for your friendship, thank you for watching, and thank you for your prayers. To those who have faithfully supported us through the years, I can’t say enough how much that means and how much we appreciate you.