Merle Haggard One Day At A Time (gospel Song) May 2026

is a cornerstone of country gospel music, famously covered by Merle Haggard on his 1981 album, Songs for the Mama That Tried . The song is a humble plea for strength and guidance, emphasizing a reliance on faith to navigate the struggles of daily life. The Meaning & Message

The opening lines, "I’m only human, I’m just a man," acknowledge personal limitations and the need for divine help to believe in one's potential. Merle Haggard One Day At A Time (Gospel Song)

It was written by Marijohn Wilkin and Kris Kristofferson in 1973. is a cornerstone of country gospel music, famously

It reflects the biblical wisdom of Matthew 6:34 , which advises against worrying about tomorrow, as "yesterday's gone" and "tomorrow may never be mine". It was written by Marijohn Wilkin and Kris

Wilkin wrote the chorus during a period of intense personal despair, struggling with alcoholism and depression. After a minister suggested she "thank God for [her] problems," she went home and the chorus flowed out as a prayer at her piano.

She called her friend Kris Kristofferson to help her finish it; together, they wrote the first verse in about 20 minutes.

The second verse contrasts Jesus’ time on earth with the modern world, which the singer describes as "worse now than then," filled with "pushing and shoving" that crowds the mind. The Story Behind the Song