Besides these two songs, five more of Montgomery's singles have reached the top of the country charts: "I Love the Way You Love Me", "Be My Baby Tonight", "If You've Got Love", "I Can Love You Like That", and "The Little Girl", while thirteen more have reached Top Ten. Montgomery's recordings of "I Swear" and "I Can Love You Like That" were both released concurrently with R&B versions by the group All-4-One. Montgomery has also released eleven studio albums, counting a Christmas album.
John Michael joined the family band (which also included his brother, Eddie Montgomery, who would later join Troy Gentry in the duo Montgomery Gentry) as guitarist before taking the lead singing role when his parents divorced. Afterwards, he made a frugal living on the local honky-tonk scene as a solo artist playing what he referred to as "working man's country." Eventually, Atlantic Records signed him.
Nothing Catches Jesus By Surprise
John Michael Montgomery Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The way you caught my eye in paris, tennisee.
Fell in seduction; well I'm seduced.
You sell a war then we sell the truth.
It's the truth.
So baby just close your eyes nothing catches jesus by surprise
Confusin' love for heated passion,
Ain't it funny how things can change.
We're amazed how they stay the same.
So baby just close your eyes nothing catches jesus by surprise
You look so pretty when you smile.
I haven't seen that for a while.
Talk about trouble, we've had our share.
It's a wonder we're still here.
I don't know why I make you cry
It's a part of me I don't like at all.
So baby just close your eyes nothing catches jesus by surprise
Baby just close your eyes nothing catches jesus by surprise
The lyrics of John Michael Montgomery's song Nothing Catches Jesus By Surprise are complex and intriguing, with a mix of references to baseball, Paris, and the struggle of a turbulent relationship. The opening lines of "Catching babe ruth catching roger marist, the way you caught my eye in Paris, tennisee" use the iconic names of baseball players as a metaphor for the captivating power of romance. The use of the city of Paris, Tennessee also adds to the romantic imagery portrayed in the lyrics.
Later in the song, Montgomery sings about his confused feelings towards love and passion, claiming that he has what he wants but still doesn't feel satisfied. This speaks to the idea that even when we get what we want, it may not bring true happiness or fulfillment. He then goes on to express how even though things can change, some things continue to stay the same, which could mean that despite their turbulent relationship, the love between the two protagonists endures.
The repeated line "So baby just close your eyes, nothing catches Jesus by surprise" reinforces the idea that despite the ups and downs of the relationship, it is all just part of life's unpredictable journey and that God is always watching over us.
Line by Line Meaning
Catching babe ruth catching roger marist
Comparing the act of catching legendary baseball players to how the singer was caught by someone's eye in a small town in Tennessee.
The way you caught my eye in paris, tennisee.
Reflecting on how the person caught the singer's attention with their charm and beauty in Paris, Tennessee.
Fell in seduction; well I'm seduced.
Admitting that the singer was seduced by the other person and fell in love.
You sell a war then we sell the truth.
Comparing the manipulation tactics used in war with how they may have been manipulated in their relationship.
It's the truth.
Emphasizing that the previous statement is, in fact, true.
So baby just close your eyes nothing catches jesus by surprise
Reminding the other person that even though their relationship may be uncertain, Jesus is always in control.
Confusin' love for heated passion,
Acknowledging that sometimes love can be mistaken for mere physical attraction.
Got what I want but no satisfaction.
Describing how even when the singer has what they thought they wanted, it doesn't bring them true happiness or satisfaction.
Ain't it funny how things can change.
Noting the irony of how quickly things in life can change.
We're amazed how they stay the same.
Contrasting the unpredictability of change with the fact that some things can stay the same.
You look so pretty when you smile.
Complimenting the other person on how beautiful they look when they smile.
I haven't seen that for a while.
Expressing that it's been some time since the other person smiled.
Talk about trouble, we've had our share.
Acknowledging that their relationship has had its fair share of difficulties.
It's a wonder we're still here.
Reflecting on the fact that despite the challenges, they are still in the relationship.
I don't know why I make you cry
Confessing that the singer doesn't understand why they cause the other person to cry.
It's a part of me I don't like at all.
Admitting that the part of them that causes the other person to cry is something they dislike about themselves.
Baby just close your eyes nothing catches jesus by surprise
Repeating the refrain and emphasizing the idea that they can find comfort in knowing that Jesus is always in control.
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
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