I Believe

Dottie West · Dottie West Sings Sacred Ballads [RCA Victor] [1967]

(Ervin Drake - Jimmy Shirl - Irvin Graham - Al Stillman)

I believe for every drop of rain that falls a flower grows

I believe that somewhere in the darkest night a candle glows

I believe for every one who goes astray

someone will come and show the way

I believe, I believe.

I believe above the storm the smallest prayer will still be heard

I believe that someone in that great somewhere hears every word

Every time I hear a new born baby cry

Or touch a leaf or see the sky

Then I know why I believe...

I Believe

Dottie West's 'I Believe' stands as a defining example of her early work on the RCA Victor label, capturing the raw emotional depth characteristic of her 1967 album 'Dottie West Sings Sacred Ballads.' As a pioneering figure in country music who seamlessly blended traditional folk and gospel influences, West brought a unique vocal texture to sacred themes that resonated deeply with audiences. The track exemplifies her ability to interpret spiritual material with both reverence and personal vulnerability, avoiding the saccharine tropes common in the genre at the time. Released during a period where she was establishing her signature sound, the recording highlights her skill in delivering heartfelt performances that bridged the gap between secular country storytelling and religious expression, cementing her status as a significant voice in the genre's evolution.