Dave Barnes performed “God Gave Me You,” the heartfelt ballad he wrote and released in 2010 and country star Blake Shelton covered the following year. Barnes delivered his rendition on a recent episode of God’s Country, hosted by brother duo Dan and Reid Isbell.
The Isbells shared a clip of Barnes’ performance on Instagram, and said they’re “not sure we’ve ever laughed harder in a recording. We also cover comparison in the music industry, God’s grace through it all, and how sidewalk chalk should be banned. Could’ve went another two hours, but may just have to run it back with DB instead.” Find the full episode on iHeartRadio here.
“This week Reid and Dan host GRAMMY nominee and multi platinum artist, Dave Barnes, out in God's Country. This episode is nothing short of a riot where topics range from Dave being cast in Reid's favorite movie to trusting god when you are in a season of comparison. They discuss the art of songwriting, Dave's journey from Mississippi to touring the world and what the next chapter for Dave Barnes looks like. The three of them bond over Dad life and the highs/lows of being a songwriter in Nashville. The episode ends with Reid and Dan's gravorite from Dave that will make ya wanna call your wife and tell her you love her!”
Dan and Reid — who have written music for Luke Combs, Miranda Lambert, Scotty McCreery, Jon Pardi, Lainey Wilson and others — started their weekly podcast in early January 2024. Some of the first guests to appear on the show include HARDY, Dustin Lynch, Colbie Caillat and others.
“One of our favorite things about country music has always been how intertwined it is with the outdoors,” Dan and Reid Isbell said in a statement when God’s Country launched. They hope to “bring the outdoor enthusiast or country music lover an up close and personal look into the minds of some of the best songwriters and artists of the genre — a place where they can be honest about struggles, relationships, their connection to the outdoors, the music business, family, whatever they feel comfortable talking about. We can’t wait to see where this partnership will lead and who this podcast will reach.”
The iHeartPodcasts/MeatEater show is available anywhere you listen to podcasts, including in the iHeartRadio app. Select country stations will broadcast the show between 7-11:30 p.m. local time on Sunday evenings. Find God's Country here.