Michael Smith

Professor Tyler

English Composition II

6 December 2020

Rhetorical Analysis of “God’s Country”

Although Rose Short’s rendition of “God’s Country” shares the same theme of religion

and southern values and beliefs that are expressed in Blake Shelton’s original version, they

appeal to different audiences and are different styles of music. Both versions of “God’s Country”

contain roughly the same lyrics but otherwise the songs have major differences. Shelton’s

country version appeals to those living in rural America that are making a living off the land. On

the other hand, Short’s soul rendition appeals to a religious audience from all economic statuses.

From the start of Shelton’s original version of “God’s Country” it is apparent from the

instrumentation that the style of the song is country with a religious undertone. After only a brief

period of guitars playing a bell is rung which signifies a church bell that would be heard on

Sunday morning. The lyrics immediately make the connection to God when Shelton sings

Right outside of this one church town

There's a gold dirt road to a whole lot of nothin'

Got a deed to the land, but it ain't my ground

This is God's country

It is not until later in the song that it is obvious that the song is focusing on religion. Once

Shelton sang “I saw the light in the sunrise” it was a pivotal moment that bonds together all other

elements of religion within the song.

 Smith 2

Short’s take on “God’s Country” begins on a completely different note. The

instrumentation sounds like a clapping pattern that is heard throughout the song. The lyrics are

essentially the same as Shelton’s; however, Short’s lyrics are organized differently. Additionally,

she includes vocals such as “Yeah” and “Oh” which creates the soul style and adds emphasis to

the lyrics. Short instantly captivates the audience when she euphoniously sings “I saw the light

Yeah” while the background singers resonate the lyrics “saved by the sound yeah”. Her use of

repetition in the lyrics especially “I saw the light” along with the use of background singers

creates an upbeat vibe that is common in soul and gospel music.

For each version of “God’s Country” there is a different target audience. In Shelton’s

version the musical arrangement creates a southern feel that is gloomy while adding tones of

religion. His deep voice and slow storytelling style of reciting the lyrics creates a deep southern

sound that appeals to southerners. Southerners can easily relate to the easy to understand lyrics

with the traditional elements of southern values and beliefs. The following phrase particularly

speaks to those with deep southern roots who make a living off the land and prioritize God in

their daily lives.

We pray for rain, and thank Him when it's fallen

'Cause it brings a grain and a little bit of money

We put it back in the plate

I guess that's why they call it God's country

Shelton’s version of the song serves as a dual purpose that ultimately ties in the aspect of religion

along with the values and beliefs for the respect of land when he refers to the land as “Gods

Country”.
 Smith 3

Short’s version conveys just as much meaning as Shelton’s but is presented in a different

manner and appeals to an audience who values religion. Short places a higher emphasis on

religion with minimal emphasis on respect for the land. The beat of the instrumentation along

with her strong voice and gloriously sung lyrics in company with the background singers creates

a piece of music that without a doubt compares to songs that would be sung by a church chorus.

In General, her version appeals to those who prioritize religion and have strong southern values

and beliefs regarding God and the land. Just from listening to each version of the song it is

obvious that there are differences. It is also blatantly obvious that differences exist when

watching each music video.

Shelton’s music video features scenes of the countryside that capture the trials of farming

and making a living off the land. He also includes himself in the video to create a personal

connection with the lyrics. The representation of Shelton’s video shows the beauty of the land

while portraying the hardships typically experienced in the South by farmers. The images

presented in the video along with the lyrics regarding religion and the land such as “We turned

the dirt and worked until the week's done. We take a break and break bread on Sunday” highlight

the underlying meaning of the song, serving God and showing respect to the land or as referred

to by Shelton “God’s Country”.

Short’s music video which was created in December 2019 during her performance on

The Voice, only a few months after the original release by Shelton in March, captivated the

audience and accentuated the theme of faith. The music video, performed in front of a live

audience and judges featured an array of lights, rising smoke, a group of background singers

dressed in black and strategically positioned on either side of a seemingly flamboyant Short who

appears dressed in her best. Throughout the video stationary and flashing lights pierce through
 Smith 4

the darkness illuminating Short and her performers. The visual appearance of her performance

along with the strong sense of rhythm and great significance on the lyrics creates a soul meets

gospel rendition of “God’s Country”. The lyrics are similar in nature to those of Shelton’s but

when sung by Short creates an overall feeling of a Christian revivalism especially with the

repetition of the lyrics “I saw the light”.

Both artists use pathos to produce a spiritual and emotional connection. Shelton refers to

the land on which he works on and the realization that it is “God’s Country” which others can

easily relate to. Short represents a pivotal experience through her singing thus being the

acceptance of God in her life which many others can relate to. Both artists also used logos when

they provided credible self-testimony to the fact that they have seen the light, a testimony to God

and his importance. Shelton and Short are highly effective in portraying the importance of

religion with Shelton’s focus being mainly on respect for the land with an undertone of religion

and Short placing the focus on religion with an underlying message of respect for the land.

It is apparent that both versions of the song are different styles of music but with similar

themes. Each version appeals to a different audience and sends a slightly different message.

Shelton created a country song that placed a high focus on respect for the land with an

underlying theme of southern religious values and beliefs. Having said that, Short placed her

emphasis on creating a soul/gospel rendition that primarily focused on religion and the land in

which God created. Regardless of the differences, each artist successfully created a unique piece

of music packed full of meaning. As to who preformed the song the best, that is entirely up to the

listener.
 Smith 5

Works Cited

Shelton, Blake. “Blake Shelton - God’s Country (Official Music Video).” YouTube, 12 Apr.

2019, www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZEWGyyLiqY4.

Short, Rose. “Rose Short Takes on Blake Shelton’s ‘God’s Country’ - The Voice Live Top 10

Performances 2019.” YouTube, 2 Dec. 2019, www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rcj6lZy38L0.

Accessed 27 Sept. 2020.