About the Song
In 2006, Alan Jackson stepped away from the country spotlight and into something far more personal with the release of his gospel album Precious Memories—a collection of beloved hymns recorded as a gift to his mother and rooted deeply in his own spiritual upbringing. Among the most quietly powerful tracks on that album is his tender interpretation of “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus.”
Originally written in 1918 by Helen H. Lemmel, this timeless hymn has offered comfort for generations, calling listeners to lift their gaze from the burdens of the world and fix their eyes on Christ. In Alan Jackson’s hands, the message becomes even more intimate—delivered not with grandeur, but with humility and peace.
Jackson’s rendition is beautifully simple. There’s no flash, no overproduction—just his warm Southern voice, a gentle guitar, and a reverent tone that feels like it was meant for a small chapel rather than a concert hall. And that’s what makes it so moving. It doesn’t try to impress—it invites you in. It reminds us that hope isn’t found in the noise of life, but in the stillness of faith.
“And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace…” — these words, sung with such calm conviction, feel like a soft whisper to the soul. In times of trouble, grief, or uncertainty, Alan Jackson’s version serves as a gentle reminder to look higher, trust deeper, and lean on something eternal.
For many listeners, Precious Memories was more than a gospel album—it was a return. A return to childhood churches, to hymns sung with family, to moments of quiet reflection. And in “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus,” Jackson offers not just a song, but a sanctuary.
It’s music not meant to entertain, but to comfort. And through this hymn, Alan Jackson once again proves that the greatest power in music often comes not from how loud it is—but from how deeply it speaks to the heart.