Drugs or Jesus

Summary

"Drugs or Jesus" is a song written by Brett James, Troy Verges, Aimee Mayo and Chris Lindsey, and recorded by American country music singer Tim McGraw. It was released in January 2005 as the third single from his album Live Like You Were Dying. It peaked at number 14, thus becoming his first single since "Two Steppin' Mind" in 1993 to miss the top ten (not counting "Tiny Dancer").[1]

"Drugs or Jesus"
Single by Tim McGraw
from the album Live Like You Were Dying
ReleasedJanuary 17, 2005
Recorded2004
GenreCountry
Length4:39
LabelCurb
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
Tim McGraw singles chronology
"Over and Over"
(2004)
"Drugs or Jesus"
(2005)
"Do You Want Fries with That"
(2005)

Content edit

The narrator talks about how in his hometown, people follow their own paths in life and either choose drugs or Jesus.

Critical reception edit

Kevin John Coyne, reviewing the song for Country Universe, gave it a positive rating. He says that the song is one of McGraw's best performances ever.[2]

Music video edit

The music video was directed and produced by Sherman Halsey, and premiered on CMT on January 21, 2005. It shows McGraw walking through an old house. He does not wear a cowboy hat, but rather a knit cap.

Chart positions edit

Chart (2005) Peak
position
Canada Country (Radio & Records)[3] 6
US Hot Country Songs (Billboard)[4] 14
US Billboard Hot 100[5] 87

Year-end charts edit

Chart (2005) Position
US Country Songs (Billboard)[6] 55

References edit

  1. ^ Whitburn, Joel (2008). Hot Country Songs 1944 to 2008. Record Research, Inc. ISBN 978-0-89820-177-2.
  2. ^ Coyne, Kevin John (2005-02-11). "Tim McGraw - "Drugs or Jesus"". Country Universe. Retrieved 2010-06-17.
  3. ^ "Canada Country Top 30" (PDF). Radio & Records. May 13, 2005. p. 44. Retrieved December 30, 2019.
  4. ^ "Tim McGraw Chart History (Hot Country Songs)". Billboard.
  5. ^ "Tim McGraw Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard.
  6. ^ "Best of 2005: Country Songs". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. 2005. Retrieved July 11, 2012.