First recorded by Marilyn Sellars in 1974, it won the Dove Award for Song of the Year in 1975. Cristy Lane later took the song to #1 on the Billboard country charts in 1980. Merle Haggard's Version
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
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". Merle Haggard One Day At A Time (Gospel Song)
Watch Merle Haggard's moving performance of this gospel classic: Merle Haggard - One Day At A Time (1981) Stone Cold Country YouTube• Apr 13, 2022
She called her friend Kris Kristofferson to help her finish it; together, they wrote the first verse in about 20 minutes. First recorded by Marilyn Sellars in 1974, it
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.
The lyrics are framed as a direct prayer to "sweet Jesus," asking for the strength to face life's challenges one step at a time. The song is a humble plea for strength
While many associate it with "The Hag," the song has a powerful backstory rooted in the struggles of its original co-writer: