Love Song - Little Country Church Lyrics
Lyrics
Little country church on the edge of town
Doo-do-do-dn-do-do-do
People comin' everyday from miles around
For meetin's and for Sunday school
And it's very plain to see
It's not the way it used to be
Preacher isn't talkin' 'bout religion no more
He just wants to praise the Lord
People aren't as stuffy as they were before
They just want to praise the Lord
And it's very plain to see
It's not the way it used to be
They're talkin' 'bout revival and the need for love
That little church has come alive
Workin' with each other for the common good
Puttin' all the past aside
Long hair, short hair, some coats and ties
People finally comin' around
Lookin' past the hair and straight into the eyes
People finally comin' around
And it's very plain to see
It's not the way it used to be
Video
Chuck Girard Band "Little Country Church" 1979
Meaning & Inspiration
"Little Country Church," released on April 1, 2010, as part of the album of the same name by Love Song, offers a beautifully simple yet profound reflection on the transformative power of genuine faith. The song opens with a nostalgic image of a humble country church on the outskirts of town, a place that once drew people from far and wide for traditional services. However, it quickly pivots to observe a significant shift, noting, "It's not the way it used to be." This isn't a lament for bygone days, but rather an observation of a vibrant renewal. The lyrics highlight a departure from rigid religious formality, illustrating how the preacher now focuses on praising the Lord, and the congregation has shed its previous stiffness, united by a shared desire for worship. This echoes the Apostle Paul's encouragement to the early church in Philippians 3:10, where he speaks of desiring to know Christ and the power of his resurrection, a pursuit that transcends outward appearances or adherence to rules.
The song's narrative then unfolds into a vision of revival. The "little country church has come alive," characterized by an emphasis on love, community, and working together for the common good, as well as the willingness to "put all the past aside." This speaks directly to the Great Commandment found in Matthew 22:37-39, where Jesus declares the most important commandment is to love God with all your heart and soul, and the second is to love your neighbor as yourself. The visual of "long hair, short hair, some coats and ties" signifies a breaking down of social barriers and superficial judgments. The church has learned to "look past the hair and straight into the eyes," reflecting the biblical principle of looking at the heart. As 1 Samuel 16:7 reminds us, "The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." The song concludes by reiterating the positive transformation, reinforcing that the church's renewed spirit and inclusive embrace, focused on love and genuine connection, truly represent a beautiful and inspiring manifestation of faith in action. This message resonates deeply with the early Christian communities described in the Book of Acts, where unity and love were paramount in building the church.