Honestly, nobody saw it coming. When Zach Williams first sat down to write a song about his messy, complicated past, he probably didn't imagine he'd be standing in a recording studio with a literal living legend. But that’s exactly what happened. Zach Williams There Was Jesus isn't just another Christian radio hit; it’s a massive cultural moment that bridged the gap between Nashville’s country roots and modern worship music.
It’s one of those tracks that stops you in your tracks. Whether you're driving to work or folding laundry, there's something about that gritty, soulful blend of voices that feels... real.
The Phone Call That Changed Everything
Zach Williams co-wrote the song with Jonathan Smith and Casey Beathard. At the time, they were digging into the idea of "hindsight." You know that feeling when you look back at the worst years of your life and realize you weren't actually alone? That’s the heart of it.
After they finished the demo, Zach turned to his producer and said, "Man, wouldn't it be cool if we got Dolly Parton to sing on this?"
They laughed.
It was a joke. A "what if" that felt impossible. But they sent the song to Dolly's manager anyway. Most people in the industry expect a "no" or, more likely, total silence when they reach out to an icon of that caliber. Instead, Dolly listened to it. She didn't just like it—she loved it. She reportedly said it was one of the best songs she had ever heard and felt like it was a "Godsend" because she had been looking to do something more uplifting.
Why This Duet Actually Works
Sometimes collaborations feel forced. You’ve seen them—two big names thrown together by a label to grab headlines. This wasn't that.
- Vocal Contrast: Zach has this gravelly, rock-influenced tone. Dolly has that crystalline, vibrato-heavy sweetness. It shouldn't work, but it creates this incredible tension and release.
- The Shared History: Both artists grew up with deep roots in the church and the South. When they sing about "broken pieces" and "amazing grace," you believe them.
- The Production: It’s not over-produced. It keeps a raw, acoustic-leaning vibe that lets the lyrics breathe.
The song was released as the second single from Zach's 2019 album, Rescue Story. It didn't just "do okay"—it exploded.
Breaking Records and Winning Big
The impact of Zach Williams There Was Jesus on the charts was staggering. It eventually hit number 1 on the Billboard Christian Airplay chart. For Zach, it was another trophy for his shelf, but for Dolly, it was a career milestone.
Can you believe that after decades in the business, this was Dolly Parton’s first-ever number 1 on a Christian chart?
It also landed them a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song in 2021. They even performed it live at the 53rd Annual CMA Awards, which was the first time many country fans got a taste of Zach’s "southern rock meets gospel" style.
It’s About the "In-Between" Moments
The lyrics are what really keep people coming back. It’s not a "everything is perfect" kind of song. It talks about the "waiting" and the "searching." It talks about the moments when friends are nowhere to be found.
Basically, it’s a song for people who have been through the ringer.
Zach has been very open about his own struggles with addiction and the rock-and-roll lifestyle before he found his footing in Christian music. When he sings, "I couldn't see it then, but I can see it now," he’s talking about his own life. That authenticity is why the RIAA eventually certified the track Gold (and later Platinum). People don't just stream it; they own it. They lean on it.
What You Can Take From This Story
Music like this reminds us that the best art comes from honesty. If Zach had tried to write a "perfect" song, Dolly might have passed. Instead, he wrote a song about being a mess, and that’s what resonated with her.
Practical Takeaways:
- Look for the Hindsight: If you're in a rough patch, try the "There Was Jesus" perspective. Look back at a previous struggle and see what you learned or who showed up for you then.
- Shoot Your Shot: If you have a project or a dream, don't be the one who says "no" to yourself. Send the email. Make the call. If Zach Williams hadn't asked for Dolly, we wouldn't have this song.
- Cross-Genre Connection: Don't pigeonhole your taste. The success of this track shows that country fans, rock fans, and gospel fans all want the same thing: a good story and a sincere voice.
If you haven't watched the music video yet, go find the one filmed in the woods with the old cabin. It captures the mood perfectly. It’s simple, humble, and focuses entirely on the message. Sometimes, that’s all you need.
Next Steps for You: Listen to the "Piano Version" of the track if you want to hear the vocal nuances without the full band—it's arguably more powerful than the original radio edit. You can also check out the rest of the Rescue Story album to see how this song fits into Zach’s larger narrative of redemption.
