Introduction:
“God Love Her” is a 2008 country song by Toby Keith, featured on his album That Don’t Make Me a Bad Guy. Co-written by Keith and longtime collaborator Vicky McGehee, the song showcases his signature storytelling style, blending themes of rebellion, love, and faith. It tells the story of a preacher’s daughter who defies expectations, falling in love with a bad boy and embarking on a journey of love and self-discovery. The lyrics juxtapose her strong religious upbringing with her wild and free-spirited nature, symbolized by her faith and the protagonist’s motorcycle.
The song resonated with audiences, reaching No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and earning a Gold certification from the RIAA for over 500,000 units sold. The music video, directed by Michael Salomon, added to its popularity, topping CMT’s Top Twenty Countdown for two weeks in early 2009. Its success highlighted Keith’s ability to balance mainstream appeal with narratives that delve into personal and cultural complexities.
“God Love Her” explores themes of redemption and spiritual grace, portraying how love and faith can coexist amidst life’s imperfections. The Southern backdrop and religious imagery enhance the song’s storytelling, making it a memorable entry in Toby Keith’s catalog of hits.
Video:
Lyrics:
“God Love Her”
Washed in the blood
And raised on the banks
Of the Mississippi mud
She always had a thing
About fallin’ in love with a bad boyYea, they could see it all comin’
But her daddy never dreamed
She’d grow up that fast
You know what I mean
The way a girl gets
When she turns 17
Kinda crazy
She’s a rebel child
And a preacher’s daughter
She was baptized in dirty water
Her mama cried the first time
They caught her with me
They knew they couldn’t stop her
She holds tight to me and the Bible
On the back seat of my motorcycle
Left her daddy standin’ there
Preachin’ to the choir
You see…God love her
Oh me and God love her
She kissed her mama goodbye
Said I’ll be sure ‘n phone ya
She called from a truck stop
In Tucson Arizona
With amazing grace
We made California alive
And then my gypsy life
Started takin’ it’s toll
And the fast lane got empty
And out of control
And just like an angel
She saved my soul from the devil
Yea she’s a rebel child
And a preacher’s daughter
She was baptized in dirty water
Her mama cried the first time
They caught her with me
They knew they couldn’t stop her
She holds tight to me and the Bible
On the back seat of my motorcycle
Left her daddy standin’ there
Preachin’ to the choir
You see….God love her
Oh me and God love her
Now she holds tight to me and the Bible
On the back seat of my motorcycle
Left her daddy standin’ there
Preachin’ to the choir
You see…God love her
Oh me and God love her
God love her
Me and God love her