The Miraculous Power Of A Great Love Song

Here’s the thing: I’m not a big fan of mushy love songs. Nope. Can’t stand sticky sweet sentimentality in any form.

But there is one love song that I must confess makes me melt every time I hear it. Grab the tissues, folks, ‘cause this song is gonna make you cry. You’ve been warned. 

The song is “I Ain't No Jesus”, co-written by Ellis Paul and Jamie Kent.

I don’t know Mr. Kent, but I have known Ellis Paul for years. He has been at almost every Swannanoa Gathering I have attended in the past nine years, and I also attended his New England Songwriters Retreat back in 2018. 

Interestingly, though I have seen Ellis perform in concert and at the Gatherings, I’ve never really had a formal songwriting course with him. But no matter, because I have observed his songwriting and playing for years, and I am beyond impressed with this man’s talent.

So, let me breakdown Ellis’s version of this song (his co-writer Jamie has also recorded it).

This song has so much going for it, it’s hard to decide what aspect to focus on first. I’ll jump right in on the arrangement.

Good gracious, the acoustic guitar work is amazing! It’s incredibly melodic and projects the whole mood of the song before Ellis sings a word. Sometimes arrangements just sit in the background of a good song, but this one could shine on its own without words at all. And the fiddle, keys and backup vocals (from the amazing Laurie McAllister) just make it that much better.

The lyrics are ethereal. Those recurring thematic references to religious figures (Jesus, Buddha, saints and Savior) are used to contrast with the character’s moral failings but are also at the heart of his wonderment that anyone could love him at all. Wow.

The chorus alone is a work of art. Here’s a part of it:

Now I can’t walk on water

Can’t part the sea

The only miracle that I’ve seen

Is you walking down the aisle to me

Ellis has a slightly gruff, almost whispery voice that rises in intensity when it needs to but never gets overly showy. The restraint is lovely. 

The song form is simple and effective for this type of piece. Four verses with interspersed choruses. No fancy bridge work or interludes besides a few short riffs on the acoustic guitar. Everything is done in such a way as to shed a bright spotlight on the amazing lyrics, the sweet melody, and the glorious arrangement.

“I Ain’t No Jesus” is pretty much the epitome of Americana songwriting. Please check out more of Ellis Paul's amazing repertoire. I’m pretty sure you’ll be impressed.

So, yeah. I don’t care for love songs. But I can make an exception.