Introduction:
Country music singer Alan Jackson ventured into the realm of gospel music with the release of his album Precious Memories in February 2006. The album, a departure from his usual country sound, marked a return to his musical roots and a tribute to his own faith. One of the standout tracks on the album is the beloved hymn “Tis So Sweet To Trust In Jesus”.
“Tis So Sweet To Trust In Jesus” is a traditional hymn, with origins dating back to 1882. The music was composed by William J. Kirkpatrick, and the lyrics were written by Louisa M. R. Stead. The song expresses the comfort and strength found in faith, and its enduring message has resonated with Christians for generations.
Jackson’s rendition of the hymn stays true to its original spirit. On the album, Jackson is accompanied by simple instrumentation, featuring his own acoustic guitar alongside Brent Mason on acoustic guitar, Gary Prim on piano and organ, and John Wesley Ryles on backing vocals. This stripped-down approach puts the focus on Jackson’s sincere vocals, conveying the sincerity and emotional depth of the lyrics.
The inclusion of “Tis So Sweet To Trust In Jesus” on Precious Memories was not merely a performative choice for Jackson. The album itself was born out of a personal experience. Jackson’s father-in-law passed away in 2004, and in the wake of this loss, Jackson recorded a solo version of the hymn “How Great Thou Art” as a tribute for the funeral service. This experience sparked a deeper exploration of his faith and inspired him to create a full gospel album.
Precious Memories , including “Tis So Sweet To Trust In Jesus”, was a critical and commercial success. The album reached number one on the Billboard Top Christian Albums chart and number three on the Billboard 200 chart. It went on to win a Grammy Award for Best Southern Gospel, Country, or Bluegrass Album in 2007. The success of the album introduced Jackson’s gospel music to a wider audience and further solidified his reputation as a versatile and heartfelt artist.
While “Tis So Sweet To Trust In Jesus” may not be a song originally written and performed by Alan Jackson, his rendition on Precious Memories brought the hymn to a new generation of listeners. Jackson’s sincere performance and the album’s focus on faith resonated with fans and earned “Tis So Sweet To Trust In Jesus” a place among his most cherished recordings.
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Lyrics:
‘Tis So Sweet To Trust In Jesus
‘Tis so sweet to trust in JesusAnd to take him at his wordJust to rest upon his promiseAnd to know, thus saith the LordJesus, Jesus, how I trust himHow I’ve proved him o’er and o’erJesus, Jesus, precious JesusO for grace to trust him moreI’m so glad I learned to trust theePrecious Jesus, Savior, friendAnd I know that thou art with meWilt be with me to the endJesus, Jesus, how I trust himHow I’ve proved him o’er and o’erJesus, Jesus, precious JesusO for grace to trust him more