Scotty McCreery’s Forgotten Song Tells A Touching Story About A Family Bible
Scotty McCreery has recorded plenty of country hits over the years, but one of his earliest songs tells a deeply personal story about faith, family and a Bible passed down through generations.
The song, “That Old King James,” appeared as the final track on McCreery’s 2011 debut album, Clear As Day.
The Story Behind “That Old King James”
The song tells the story of a treasured family Bible that is passed from one generation to the next.
In the story, the narrator’s grandfather received the Bible when he was just eight years old.
The Bible remained with him throughout his life. It even traveled with him when he went overseas during World War II.
He would read from it every night.
Before his death, the grandfather passed the Bible to his daughter, the narrator’s mother.
When life became difficult, she would turn to its pages for comfort.
The Bible became marked by highlighted passages and even tears from the difficult moments she experienced.
Eventually, the Bible was passed down once again.
This time, it belonged to the narrator.
A Hidden Gem In Scotty’s Catalog
Although McCreery has become known for songs such as “Five More Minutes” and “Damn Strait,” “That Old King James” is one of the lesser-known tracks in his catalog.
The song was written by Phillip White and Mark Nesler and appeared as the 12th and final track on Clear As Day.
McCreery’s voice brings an emotional quality to the story, making the song feel especially personal.
It is also a perfect example of how faith has remained an important part of his music.
Faith Has Always Been Important To McCreery
McCreery has continued to include faith-based music throughout his career.
His 2012 Christmas album featured songs such as “Mary, Did You Know?” and “O Holy Night.”
In 2021, he also shared an acoustic version of the beloved hymn “The Old Rugged Cross.”
More recently, he recorded “Why Me Lord,” a Kris Kristofferson song featured on his retrospective album 15.
McCreery has previously explained how important his faith is to him, saying it has supported him during both difficult and happy moments.
A Song About More Than A Bible
At its heart, “That Old King James” is not simply a song about an old Bible.
It is about family memories.
It is about faith being passed from one generation to another.
And it is about having something to hold onto when life becomes difficult.
That message makes the song one of the more meaningful hidden gems in McCreery’s catalog.
And for fans who have never heard it, “That Old King James” may be one Scotty McCreery song worth discovering.
