Old Time Religion
Woody Guthrie and Cisco Houston Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Gimme that old time religion
Gimme that old time religion
It's good enough for me.
It was good for the Hebrew children
It was good for the Hebrew children
It was good for the Hebrew children
It was good enough for Peter
It was good enough for Peter
It was good enough for Peter
It's good enough for me.
It was good enough for Momma
It was good enough for Momma
It was good enough for Momma
It's good enough for me.
It will do when the world's on fire
It will do when the world's on fire
It will do when the world's on fire
And it's good enough for me.
Woody Guthrie's song "Old Time Religion" is a traditional gospel tune that has its roots in the African-American spirituals of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The song is an affirmation of faith in the simple piety of the past, and a rejection of the grandiose and sometimes corrupt practices of contemporary organized religion. The lyrics draw upon the scriptural stories of the Hebrew children and Peter, as well as the personal experience of the singer's own mother, to affirm the power and endurance of a religious faith that has held steady through the ages.
The song's repeated refrain, "Gimme that old time religion, it's good enough for me," is a call for a return to traditional forms of worship and a rejection of the newfangled practices that have crept into many modern churches. The reference to the Hebrew children suggests that the song is not just a nostalgic paean to the past, but an affirmation of the timeless power of faith in God to guide and protect his people. And the reference to Peter as a follower of this old-time religion reinforces the idea that true faith is not about showy displays of piety, but about a humble and sincere devotion to God.
Overall, "Old Time Religion" is a song that celebrates the simple yet enduring faith of the past, and encourages its listeners to find strength and solace in the traditions of their forebears. It is a message that speaks to the heart of the Christian faith, and to the deep-seated human need for continuity and connection with the past.
Line by Line Meaning
Gimme that old time religion
I want to have the same religious practices and beliefs from the past.
It was good for the Hebrew children
The traditional religion was effective for the Hebrew children.
And it's good enough for me.
I find the old time religion sufficient for my needs.
It was good enough for Peter
Peter found the old time religion adequate for his spiritual life.
It was good enough for Momma
My mother trusted and followed the old time religion.
It will do when the world's on fire
The old time religion will be enough to sustain me in times of great crisis.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: WOODY GUTHRIE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind