About The Song
“I Saw God Today” is a heartfelt country ballad recorded by George Strait as the lead single from his twenty-sixth studio album, Troubadour. The album was released on April 1, 2008, by MCA Nashville Records. The song was written by Rodney Clawson, Monty Criswell, and Wade Kirby, with production handled by Tony Brown and George Strait himself.
The single was officially released to radio on February 4, 2008. It made an impressive debut at No. 19 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart—the highest debut of Strait’s career at that time. The track quickly climbed the charts and reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart dated May 3, 2008, spending one week at the top. This marked Strait’s 43rd No. 1 on the Billboard country chart and his 56th overall No. 1 when including other trade publications, surpassing Conway Twitty’s record for the most No. 1 country hits.
On the Billboard Hot 100, the song peaked at No. 33. Interestingly, the lyrics reference hospital room 508, and the song hit No. 1 in the first week of May 2008—coincidentally aligning with the date format 5/08.
Troubadour followed Strait’s previous album, It Just Comes Natural (2006), and continued his streak of success in the late 2000s. The album itself debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart and was certified Platinum by the RIAA. Subsequent singles from the album included the title track “Troubadour” (No. 7) and “River of Love” (No. 1).
“I Saw God Today” received widespread acclaim and awards recognition. It won Single of the Year at the 2008 Country Music Association Awards and was also named Song of the Year at the 2009 Academy of Country Music Awards. The Troubadour album earned Album of the Year at the 2008 CMAs. Additionally, the song was nominated for Country Recorded Song of the Year at the 40th GMA Dove Awards.
Critics praised the track for its sincere delivery; one review noted that Strait’s performance elevated the song’s relatable message. By 2008, George Strait had solidified his legacy with decades of chart dominance, and this release added another milestone to his unparalleled career in country music.
Video
Lyric
Just walked down the street to the coffee shop
Had to take a break
I’ve been by her side for eighteen hours straight
Saw a flower growing in the middle of the sidewalk
Pushing up through the concrete
Like it was planted right there for me to see
The flashing lights
The honking horns
All seem to fade away
In the shadow of the hospital
At 5:08
I saw God todayI’ve been to church
I’ve read the book
I know He’s here
But I don’t look
Near as often as I should
Yeah, I know I should
His fingerprints are everywhere
I just slowed down to stop and stare
Opened my eyes and man I swear
I saw God todaySaw a couple walking by
They were holding hands
And she had that glow
Yeah, I couldn’t help
But notice she was starting to show
Stood there for a minute
Taking in the sky
Lost in that sunset
A splash of amber melted into shades of redI’ve been to church
I’ve read the book
I know He’s here
But I don’t look
Near as often as I should
Yeah, I know I should
His fingerprints are everywhere
I just slowed down to stop and stare
Opened my eyes and man I swear
I saw God todayGot my face pressed up against the nursery glass
She’s sleeping like a rock
My name on her wrist
Wearing tiny pink socks
She’s got my nose
She’s got her mama’s eyes
My brand new baby girl
She’s a miracle
I saw God today