Kenny Rogers’ “Love Lifted Me” isn’t your typical country song. It started life in 1912 as a hymn by the same name, written by James Rowe.

Rowe, born in England in 1865, found inspiration for the lyrics in the Bible’s Gospel of Matthew. The story of Jesus walking on water to reassure his disciples during a storm resonated with Rowe, and the hymn’s central theme became one of finding faith and overcoming challenges through divine love.

Fast forward to 1975. Kenny Rogers, recently embarking on a solo career after the break-up of his band The First Edition, decided to record “Love Lifted Me” for his debut solo album. However, Rogers took the song in a new direction.

He kept the powerful and hopeful refrain of the original hymn, but replaced the verses with his own lyrics. These new verses offered a more secular perspective, focusing on the power of love in a more general sense, rather than religious faith.

This creative decision resulted in a unique song that bridged the gap between the inspirational message of the hymn and the relatable themes of love and perseverance common in country music. Rogers’ version reached number 19 on the US Country charts, even experiencing some crossover success on the pop charts.

So, when you hear Kenny Rogers sing “Love Lifted Me,” remember that you’re listening to a song with a rich history. It’s a testament to the enduring power of music, and its ability to take on new meanings and connect with audiences across genres and generations.

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