Country Music

Classic Country Music Hits

Country Music

Rory Feek – A Bible And A Belt (Live In Columbia, TN/2018)

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Introduction

Have you ever thought about the two things that shaped you the most as a child? For many, it might be faith and discipline—two cornerstones of growing up with purpose and values. “A Bible and a Belt” is a moving tribute to these timeless influences. It’s not just a song; it’s a story, a reflection, and a heartfelt nod to the ones who taught us right from wrong and steered us with love, even when it wasn’t easy.

This song beautifully intertwines the weight of responsibility with the warmth of love. The “Bible” represents faith, hope, and the moral compass passed down through generations, while the “belt” symbolizes the tough lessons—the discipline and structure that kept us grounded. Together, they tell a story of balance, of being molded into someone who understands both compassion and accountability.

What makes this song so special is its relatability. Whether you grew up in a small town or a big city, there’s a universality to the memories it evokes: the stern but loving voice of a parent, the lessons learned the hard way, and the unwavering sense that you were being prepared for a world that wouldn’t always be kind. The lyrics resonate with warmth and nostalgia, reminding us of those who loved us enough to shape us into better people.

The melody, rich with country charm, wraps around the lyrics like a comforting embrace, amplifying the sincerity of its message. It’s the kind of song that makes you reflect, makes you smile, and maybe even makes you a little teary-eyed as it reminds you of your own upbringing

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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

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