There Was Jesus
"There Was Jesus" is a song by American Christian rock musician Zach Williams and American singer-songwriter Dolly Parton. It was released on October 3, 2019, as the second single from Williams' album, Rescue Story.[1]
"There Was Jesus" | ||||
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Single by Zach Williams and Dolly Parton | ||||
from the album Rescue Story | ||||
Released | October 3, 2019 | |||
Recorded | 2019 | |||
Genre | ||||
Length | 3:43 | |||
Label | Provident Label Group | |||
Songwriter(s) |
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Producer(s) | Jonathan Smith | |||
Zach Williams singles chronology | ||||
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Dolly Parton singles chronology | ||||
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Background
Williams wrote "There Was Jesus" with Casey Beathard and Jonathan Smith, who also produced the song. About the song's inspiration, Williams said the song is about "looking back at 20 years ago when I had no idea that God was in the moment, that He was even with me through some of the hard things that have gone on in my life. Now I can see that He had His hand in everything I was doing." He said he knew the moment they finished writing the song he wanted to see if Parton would consider recording it with him. Williams' team reached out to Parton's manager. When Parton heard the song she loved it. Arrangements were made for the duo to meet in the studio a few weeks later to record the song. In press release Williams recalled, "It was a really cool moment, just to have the privilege to record a song with Dolly Parton. Working with Dolly was a true honor. She has a way of making you feel like you are the only person in the room. She is so down-to-earth and genuine, and I can't wait for people to hear that in the song."[2]
Live performances
Williams and Parton performed the song live for the first time at the 53rd Annual CMA Awards on November 13, 2019.[3]
Charts
Chart (2019—2020) | Peak position |
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US Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles (Billboard)[4] | 22 |
US Christian Songs (Billboard)[5] | 2 |
US Digital Song Sales (Billboard)[6] | 36 |
References
- "There Was Jesus - Single by Zach Williams & Dolly Parton". iTunes. Apple. October 3, 2019. Retrieved December 27, 2019.
- "Dolly Parton Featured On Zach Williams' New Song "There Was Jesus"". DollyParton.com. Dolly Parton. October 4, 2019. Retrieved December 27, 2019.
- Staff, The Boot. "WATCH: Dolly Parton Sings Faith-Filled Medley With For King & Country, Zach Williams at 2019 CMA Awards". The Boot. Retrieved December 27, 2019.
- "Dolly Parton Chart History (Bubbling Under Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved August 11, 2020.
- "Zach Williams Chart History (Hot Christian Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved August 14, 2019.
- "Dolly Parton Chart History (Digital Song Sales)". Billboard. Retrieved July 29, 2020.