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Introduction
Listening to Joey+Rory’s “A Bible and a Belt” feels like stepping into a heartfelt conversation about the values that shape who we are. This song is a gentle yet powerful ode to the lessons passed down through generations, encapsulating the love and discipline that form the bedrock of family life in rural America.
Written by Rory Feek and James Slater, “A Bible and a Belt” reflects on the duality of guidance—a Bible for faith and a belt for discipline—used by many parents to raise their children with respect, hard work, and strong moral values. The lyrics are deeply personal, capturing the essence of growing up with a father who wasn’t afraid to be firm when it was needed but who also relied on faith as a guiding principle. It’s a narrative that resonates with so many, blending nostalgia with the universal truths of parenting and family.
What makes this song especially touching is how it balances its themes. The belt isn’t just a symbol of correction; it’s a reminder of responsibility and care. Similarly, the Bible isn’t just a religious artifact—it’s a beacon of hope and a moral compass. Together, they represent a parenting style that might feel old-fashioned to some but remains timeless in its effectiveness and sincerity.
Musically, “A Bible and a Belt” carries the signature simplicity of Joey+Rory’s style. Their acoustic-driven arrangement and Rory’s warm, honest delivery make you feel like you’re sitting around the family table, sharing stories of life’s hard-earned wisdom. The song is as much about appreciating where you came from as it is about carrying those lessons forward.
Beyond its touching story, “A Bible and a Belt” serves as a testament to Joey+Rory’s ability to connect deeply with their audience. It’s a song that doesn’t preach but instead invites reflection, leaving listeners with a renewed appreciation for the values that shape us into who we are.
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Lyrics
They were both made of leather
Both black and frayed and worn
I was brought up to respect them
Since the day that I was born
One came here from England
It’s been handed down for years
The other one was ordered from a catalogue at Sears
One my mama read to me ’til I was well into my teens
And I thought all the other one was for
Was to hold up daddy’s jeans
‘Til I told a lie and learned it had another purpose too
Out behind the shed, my daddy said
“This will hurt me more than you”
‘Cause one had my daddy’s name on it
The other said King James
With love they taught us lessons
But we feared them both the same
One led us to heaven
And the other left a welt
But those were the days when kids were raised
With a Bible and a belt
I remember when I was twelve
I stole a dime store comic book
And how mama read where the scripture said to take back what I took
When I refused, my daddy grabbed arm and said “come on”
I needed more he knew than just Matthew, Mark, Luke and John
Well, sometimes it made me cry
Sometimes it made me fighting mad
And I’d wish I’d been raised without them
Like some other children had
But now I’m grown with kids of my own and I know just how they felt
You know it seems to me that what the world still needs
Is a Bible and a belt
‘Cause one had my daddy’s name on it
The other said King James
With love they taught us lessons
But we feared them both the same
One led us to heaven
And the other hurt like hell
But those were the days when kids were raised
With a Bible and a belt
A Bible and a belt