Sweet Jesus
Willie & Merle Lyrics


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Jesus, sweet Jesus
You love me just as I am
Jesus, sweet Jesus
I've been washed in the blood of the land

The church wants to hear my confession
It's something they all want to see
Ah but Lord, I'm only a sinner (just a sinner)
And my sin is all that I can be

Jesus, sweet Jesus
You love me just as I am
Jesus, sweet Jesus
I've been washed in the blood of the land

As a boy, I was always afraid to go down at alter call and kneel down
And over the years I wondered, was my soul saved or was it lost?
Then I realized salvation was all the grace of Jesus
And we'd been saved just the way he saved that thief on the cross

Jesus, sweet Jesus
You love me just as I am
Jesus, sweet Jesus





I've been washed in the blood of the land (it's true)
Jesus, sweet Jesus

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Sweet Jesus" by Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard reflect a deep sense of personal reflection and spirituality. The repeated refrain of "Jesus, sweet Jesus" emphasizes the singer's close relationship with Jesus and the unwavering love and acceptance that they feel from Him. The mention of being washed in the blood of the land can be interpreted as a reference to the cleansing and redeeming power of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, which is believed to cleanse believers of their sins.


The lyrics also touch upon the theme of confession and sin within the church. The singer acknowledges that the church may expect them to confess their sins, but they express a sense of humility and self-awareness by stating, "Ah but Lord, I'm only a sinner, and my sin is all that I can be." This line conveys a deep sense of acceptance of one's flaws and shortcomings, understanding that we are all imperfect beings in need of grace and forgiveness.


The verse about the altar call and questioning the state of their soul reflects the universal experience of doubt and uncertainty that many individuals face in their spiritual journey. The singer shares their personal struggle with faith and salvation, but ultimately finds reassurance in the belief that salvation comes through the grace of Jesus. The reference to the thief on the cross, who was pardoned by Jesus in his final moments, suggests a message of redemption and hope for all who seek forgiveness.


Overall, "Sweet Jesus" is a poignant and introspective song that delves into themes of self-acceptance, grace, and the transformative power of faith. It celebrates the unconditional love of Jesus and the belief that we are all deserving of forgiveness and salvation, regardless of our past mistakes. The heartfelt lyrics and soulful delivery by Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard invite listeners to reflect on their own relationship with faith and to find solace in the comforting presence of Jesus.


Line by Line Meaning

Jesus, sweet Jesus
Acknowledging the love and grace of Jesus


You love me just as I am
Recognizing the unconditional love of Jesus despite imperfections


I've been washed in the blood of the land
Feeling cleansed and redeemed by the sacrifice of Jesus


The church wants to hear my confession
Feeling pressured by societal expectations to confess sins


It's something they all want to see
Noticing the superficial nature of public confessions


Ah but Lord, I'm only a sinner (just a sinner)
Recognizing personal shortcomings and flaws


And my sin is all that I can be
Feeling defined by past mistakes and transgressions


As a boy, I was always afraid to go down at alter call and kneel down
Recalling fear and insecurity while grappling with religious practices


And over the years I wondered, was my soul saved or was it lost?
Reflecting on the uncertainty of spiritual salvation


Then I realized salvation was all the grace of Jesus
Understanding that personal salvation is through the grace of Jesus


And we'd been saved just the way he saved that thief on the cross
Drawing parallels between personal redemption and the forgiveness granted to the thief on the cross


Jesus, sweet Jesus
Acknowledging the love and grace of Jesus


You love me just as I am
Recognizing the unconditional love of Jesus despite imperfections


I've been washed in the blood of the land (it's true)
Emphasizing the cleansing and redeeming power of Jesus' sacrifice




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Merle Haggard, Kenny Vernon

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@Country_Nostalgia_1168

Absolutely fabulous. This is what you call country music. Can’t get any better.

@Legendscountry

These old country songs are like old friends – comforting, familiar, and always there when you need them. 🤗

@music0452

You are so right. 🥰

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@JoãoAmauri-p5i

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@pjquinlan8748

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@pjquinlan8748

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@RDT34

Willie always seemed so comfortable and happy when he was around Merle. What an iconic bond those two shared.

@CarolynPierce-g7n

❤❤ I'm proud to e an Okie close to Muskogee ❤❤ Love you ❤❤ amen ❤❤

@kevingallagher6804

They did a lot of music together…

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