This isn’t a music video or a staged photo op this is George Strait in his element. No lights, no smoke machines, no glamour. Just a man, his horse, and a rodeo arena filled with the heartbeat of Texas. More than just the “King of Country,” George is the real deal a true cowboy who doesn’t just sing about the Western way of life, but lives it. Whether he’s headlining sold-out arenas or speaking from the saddle, George brings the same calm strength, authenticity, and grace that’s defined his career for over four decades. Microphone in hand and hat tipped low, he isn’t just addressing a crowd, he’s honoring a way of life that raised him, shaped him, and continues to guide him. You can feel the respect in the silence, the pride in his posture, and the power in his presence.

Introduction

“I Saw God Today” is a deeply reflective ballad originally released by George Strait as the lead single from his twenty-fifth studio album, Troubadour, in February 2008 . Crafted by songwriters Rodney Clawson, Monty Criswell, and Wade Kirby, the song captures the wonder found in simple, everyday moments—symbolized by a flower pushing through a crack in the sidewalk, a sunset’s glow, and most poignantly, the sight of one’s newborn child .

Upon its release, the song earned immediate acclaim: it debuted at No. 19 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, marking the highest chart debut of Strait’s career, and soared to become his 43rd Billboard Number One single—and 56th when counting all U.S. trade charts . It was later honored as Single of the Year at the 2008 CMA Awards and received a nomination for Country Recorded Song of the Year at the GMA Dove Awards .

Strait himself remarked that the song resonates with parents who experience the miracle of childbirth, reminding all listeners to pause, look around, and appreciate the profound gifts woven into ordinary life . The genesis of the song’s idea came from Monty Criswell, who would often reflect on hunting trips by saying he’d “caught a glimpse of God today” even when nothing notable happened—an inspiring seed that blossomed into the full narrative of the song .

Fast forward to June 7, 2014, when Strait performed the song live at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, as part of the grand finale of his The Cowboy Rides Away Tour ushering in his farewell from touring . That evening, a record-setting 104,793 fans witnessed the emotionally charged performance—so momentous that it was immortalized on the live album The Cowboy Rides Away: Live from AT&T Stadium, released later that year .

Together, the studio and live renditions of “I Saw God Today” stand as testament to George Strait’s ability to convey reverent beauty, life’s quiet revelations, and the powerful connection between performer, lyric, and audience.

Video

Lyrics

Just walked down the street to the coffee shop
Had to take a break
I’ve been by her side for 18 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 today
I’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 look down to stop and stare
Open my eyes and then I swear
I saw God today
Saw 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 melting into shades of red
I’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 look down and stop and stare
Open my eyes and then I swear
I saw God today
Got 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