Willie Nelson & The Oak Ridge Boys Unite On Spiritual Song, “I Thought About You, Lord”

The Story Behind “I Thought About You, Lord”

Willie Nelson recently joined the Oak Ridge Boys for an updated rendition of a spiritual song, “I Thought About You, Lord.” While the new recording was just released on Wednesday (September 4), the song’s history stretches back decades.

Nelson wrote “I Thought About You, Lord” entirely on his own. The song was featured as track #11 on his 1996 album, Spirit.

In “I Thought About You, Lord,” Nelson sings about how he sees God in everything. As the lyrics go:

“I thought about life, and a love that has no endin’. I thought about You, Lord. I thought about You.”

Spirit had a different style than many of Nelson’s past albums. He utilized fewer instruments, sticking to the simple sounds of guitar, the fiddle, and his sister Bobbie’s piano playing. The album also had a distinct Spanish influence.

Thanks to stunning songs like “I Thought About You, Lord,” Spirit peaked at the 20th spot on the Top Country Albums Chart.

“I Thought About You, Lord” remains one of Nelson’s most beloved tracks. He continues to include it in his concert setlists and often performs the song with his sons, Lukas and Micah.

Willie Nelson & The Oak Ridge Boys Had Never Recorded A Song Together Before

When record producer Dave Cobb played “I Thought About You, Lord” for the Oak Ridge Boys, they knew they wanted to record the track. As a group with a gospel background, the song seemed like the perfect fit for them.

But they didn’t want to record it alone. They wanted to have Nelson sing it with them.

“When David Cobb played ‘I Thought About You, Lord,’ written by Willie Nelson, I felt I was listening to a masterpiece. I thought, ‘Willie has recorded with just about everyone but us,” the Oak Ridge Boys’ Duane Allen told Whiskey Riff.

It’s true. Surprisingly, despite their many overlapping decades in the business, Nelson and the Oak Ridge Boys had never recorded a song together before.

“…I called Buddy Cannon, who had recently been producing Willie, to see if Willie would sing his song with us. He replied that he would be honored to sing with the Oaks. When Willie’s vocals were finished, the masterpiece was completed!” Allen continued.

While the release of the new collaboration is exciting, it’s also a little bittersweet. It’s the Oaks Ridge Boys’ first recording released following the death of longtime tenor singer Joe Bonsall on July 9.

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Ben James, the Oaks’ newest member, started singing with the group on tour after Bonsall’s retirement in January 2024. The Oaks’ version of “I Thought About You, Lord” is the first recording to feature James’ vocals.

The track is the group’s first single from their upcoming album, Mama’s Boys. The album drops on October 25.

Listen to the Oak Ridge Boys sing “I Thought About You, Lord” with Willie Nelson in the audio clip below. We’re so glad these legendary vocalists finally united to release a song together.