In 2001, he made his debut with the single "Austin". The lead-off single from his self-titled debut album, "Austin" spent five weeks at #1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. The now Platinum-certified debut album also produced two more top 20 entries ("All Over Me" and "Ol' Red").
His second and third albums, 2003's The Dreamer and 2004's Blake Shelton's Barn & Grill, are gold and platinum, respectively. His fourth album, Pure BS (2007), was re-issued in 2008 with a cover of Michael Bublé's pop hit "Home" as one of the bonus tracks. His fifth album, Startin' Fires was released in November 2008. It was followed by the extended plays Hillbilly Bone and All About Tonight in 2010, and the albums Red River Blue in 2011, Based on a True Story... in 2013, Bringing Back the Sunshine in 2014, If I'm Honest in 2016, Texoma Shore in 2017, and Fully Loaded: God's Country in 2019.
Shelton is a judge on the televised singing competitions Nashville Star, Clash of the Choirs, and a coach on NBC's The Voice. He has been on The Voice since its inception, and, so far, in nine of 22 seasons (2–4, 7, 11, 13, 18, 20, 22), a member of his team has won.
Jesus Got a Tight Grip
Blake Shelton Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I ain't never been called a saint
Yeah, I've decorated every bar in town
With a big red coat of paint
But good thing I had a good raisin'
For all the Hell I've raised since then
When that roll is called up yonder
I know they've gonna let me in
'Cause Jesus got a tight grip on my soul
And he ain't lettin' go, he ain't lettin' go
The Devil reaches out but he can't grab hold
'Cause Jesus got a tight grip on my soul
And he ain't lettin' go, he ain't lettin' go
Might have a little rust on my halo
But when I'm gone, I know where I'll go
'Cause Jesus got a tight grip on my soul
Now I've been a little more cold beer
Than holy water, it's true
More Saturday night on an old bar stool
Than a Sunday morning pew
But even old Hank Williams
Finally saw the light
And, oh hallelujah, I have too
And it ain't just the neon kind
'Cause Jesus got a tight grip on my soul
And he ain't lettin' go, he ain't lettin' go
The Devil reaches out but he can't grab hold
'Cause Jesus got a tight grip on my soul
And he ain't lettin' go, he ain't lettin' go
Might have a little rust on my halo
But when I'm gone, I know where I'll go
'Cause Jesus got a tight grip on my soul, yeah
Jesus got a tight grip on my soul, yeah
Whoa
I got a long, long way to go
Whoa
But I'm gonna get there, I know
'Cause Jesus got a tight grip on my soul
And he ain't lettin' go, he ain't lettin' go
The Devil reaches out but he can't grab hold
'Cause Jesus got a tight grip on my soul
And he ain't lettin' go (no, no), he ain't lettin' go
Might have a little rust on my halo (my halo)
But when I'm gone, I know where I'll go
'Cause Jesus got a tight grip on my soul
Jesus got a tight grip on my soul
Yeah, he does, and he ain't lettin' go
In "Jesus Got a Tight Grip," Blake Shelton reflects on his past as a flawed individual who has made mistakes. He admits that he has never been an angel or called a saint, often frequenting bars and getting into trouble. However, he acknowledges that he was fortunate to have had a good upbringing and that despite the chaos he once caused, he believes that when the time comes for him to be judged, he will be accepted into heaven. Shelton attributes this to the unwavering hold that Jesus has on his soul. He trusts that Jesus will never let go, and even though the Devil may try to tempt him, he cannot seize control over Shelton's life. While Shelton acknowledges some imperfections and "rust" on his halo, he remains steadfast in his belief that Jesus will guide him to heaven.
Overall, "Jesus Got a Tight Grip" is a song about redemption and the power of faith. Shelton acknowledges his past flaws and the wrong choices he made, but he finds solace in knowing that Jesus is always with him, holding onto his soul and leading him in the right direction. It's a heartfelt expression of gratitude for God's forgiveness and guidance, with a message of hope for those who have strayed from the path of righteousness.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, I ain't never been an angel
I have never been a perfect person
I ain't never been called a saint
No one has ever considered me a holy person
Yeah, I've decorated every bar in town with a big red coat of paint
I have spent a lot of time in bars, leaving my mark everywhere
But good thing I had a good raisin' for all the Hell I've raised since then
Luckily, I was raised well and have some justification for the trouble I've caused
When that roll is called up yonder, I know they've gonna let me in
I believe that when I pass away and face judgment, I will be accepted into heaven
'Cause Jesus got a tight grip on my soul and he ain't lettin' go, he ain't lettin' go
My faith in Jesus is strong, and he will always hold onto my soul
The Devil reaches out but he can't grab hold
Although temptation may come, the Devil cannot take control of me
Might have a little rust on my halo
I may have made mistakes and have some imperfections
But when I'm gone, I know where I'll go
When I pass away, I am confident that I will go to heaven
Now I've been a little more cold beer than holy water, it's true
I have spent more time enjoying worldly pleasures than focusing on religious matters
More Saturday night on an old bar stool than a Sunday morning pew
I have spent more time partying than attending church
But even old Hank Williams finally saw the light
Even someone like Hank Williams, who lived a troubled life, eventually found faith
And, oh hallelujah, I have too
Just like him, I have also found my faith
And it ain't just the neon kind
My belief in Jesus is not just superficial or influenced by external factors
Whoa, I got a long, long way to go
I still have a lot of progress to make on my spiritual journey
But I'm gonna get there, I know
However, I am determined to continue growing closer to God
Yeah, he does, and he ain't lettin' go
Yes, Jesus truly holds on tightly to my soul and will never forsake me
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Blake Tollison Shelton, Jessi Leigh Alexander, Rhett Akins, Richard Chase Mcgill
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Viking Goddess & Adonis
Praise Jesus! Great song! We need more like these
PraytoGod AndhopefortheBest
Thank you, Mr. Blake Shelton. The song is really uplifting and you ain't afraid to sing your heart out for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
AshProjects
We need more country singers like Blake Shelton. God Bless you.
Victoria Vigil
Hell right we do need more singers like Blake Shelton
Cole Cole
@Regina Wilson Which Blake has done all that. So please go sit down.Your opion is only stupid because you put one against the other. Like one does more than the other. Which is incorrect that is not opinion that is fact.
Roxanna Erhard
The Best song in years 🥰
Roxanna Erhard
This man is my king of music these days love you Blake 😍
Roxanna Erhard
Totally agree with you 😘
Daniel McKinney
Amen Jesus is King and he is the light that shines from the cross without looking back
Lisa Lake
O yes Blake T Shelton is the king 👑 and he is so hot too mmmmmmmmm