Alan Jackson’s ‘Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus’ Brings Comfort Amidst CCP Virus Panic

(Rick Diamond/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum)

In these troubled times and with an uncertain future hanging over the billions quarantined at home amid the CCP virus outbreak, the power of music to strengthen faith and provide comfort is greater than ever.

Country artist Alan Jackson has a long history of heartfelt covers of gospel songs and hymns; his rendition of “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus” resonates ever so strongly with life under the pandemic.

Jackson first covered the song in 2006 on his album “Precious Memories” but made a particularly poignant live version that was posted on YouTube in 2017; it has since gone viral with over 350,000 views.

Given the massive anxiety about the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, commonly known as the novel coronavirus, the classic hymn seems particularly appropriate to give people something to lean on. With the fears about prolonged quarantine and the disruptions to the economy, travel, and isolation from loved ones, many people might identify with these lyrics.

The verses offer hope to those who are overwhelmed by pessimism and fear: “O soul, are you weary and troubled? / No light in the darkness you see? / There’s light for a look at the Savior / And life more abundant and free.”

The hymn, composed by Helen Howarth Lemmel in 1918 based on a missionary tract by Isabella Lilias Trotter, was originally titled “The Heavenly Vision“ but became widely known by the words of its chorus.

(Illustration - Ben White/Unsplash)

Jackson was first inspired to record the old hymn by his late mother, Ruth Jackson, who passed away in 2017; she had always been encouraging him to record an album of spiritual songs. After Jackson performed “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus” at his stepfather’s funeral in 2006, the country superstar and his wife, Denise, chose a list of 15 hymns to record, reported TODAY.

The collection was intended to be a very special Mother’s Day gift for “Mama Ruth” but ended up becoming released as a gospel album, “Precious Memories,” in late February 2006.

Alan Jackson and family (L-R) Ben Selecman, Mattie Jackson, Dani Jackson, Denise Jackson, and Alexandra Jackson attend the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum Medallion Ceremony to celebrate his 2017 induction to the Hall of Fame. (Terry Wyatt/Getty Images)

While Jackson considers himself first and foremost a country artist in terms of style, his faith is at the center of his life. The lyrics of “Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)”—Jackson’s chart-topping tribute to the victims of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks—evoke a sense of hope and belief in divine faith.

Jackson’s versions of the timeless hymns can be a source of comfort amidst present uncertainty. The soul-soothing words of his hymns seem to be perfectly applicable now amidst the CCP virus pandemic, giving people a message of staying hopeful and holding onto their faith ever so strongly.