Introduction:
Veteran country singer Gene Watson carved out a niche for himself in the 1970s and 1980s with his distinctive baritone voice and a brand of country music that blended traditional sounds with a touch of progressive influence. Before The Hammer Could Ring, released in 1979, stands as a prime example of this approach.
Watson, born in Premont, Texas in 1943, began his musical career in the early 1960s. After finding some success as a songwriter, he eventually landed a recording contract with Capitol Records in the late 1960s. Though he had several charting singles during this time, it wasn’t until he moved to Elektra Records in the mid-1970s that he truly started to gain momentum. Producer Billy Sherrill, known for his work with country superstars like George Jones and Tammy Wynette, became a key collaborator for Watson during this period.
Before The Hammer Could Ring was written by Bobby Braddock and Curly Putman, two Nashville songwriting titans who penned numerous country hits throughout the decades. Sherrill’s production on the track incorporates a classic country sound, featuring prominent steel guitar and a driving rhythm section. However, Watson’s powerful vocals and the song’s thematic focus on faith and redemption inject a contemporary energy that resonated with audiences.
Before The Hammer Could Ring became a major turning point in Watson’s career. The song shot to number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart in 1979, marking his first chart-topping single. The song’s success helped propel Watson’s album Jesus Is All I Need, which also included the hit Ain’t That Enough. Before The Hammer Could Ring further solidified Watson’s reputation as a major force in country music and established him as a relatable voice for those who sought traditional country music with a message of hope and spiritual reflection.
While Before The Hammer Could Ring stands out as a significant achievement in Watson’s discography, it is just one piece of a long and successful career. He continued to chart throughout the 1980s and 1990s, amassing over 30 studio albums and numerous award nominations. Even today, Watson remains active in touring and recording, keeping the spirit of traditional country music alive for his dedicated fan base.
Video:
Lyrics:
Before the hammers could ring
His blood touched the cross for meBefore the hammers could strike the nails
That pinned him to the tree
Before the spear ever pierced his side
Letting blood and water run freeBefore the hammers could ring
His blood touched the cross for meWhen sin was nailed thunder rolled
The earth shook with fright
Darkness fell as the lamb of God
Held him tight
Legions of angels and a host of heaven stood by
The law was fulfilled
And a dark kingdom fled from the lightBefore the hammers could ring
His blood touched the cross for meBefore the hammers could strike the nails
A crown of thorns made him bleed
And the stripes on his back left a bloody trail
All the way to CalvaryBefore the hammers could ring
His blood touched the cross for meWhen sin was nailed thunder rolled
The earth shook with fright
Darkness fell as the lamb of God
Held him tight
Legions of angels and a host of heaven stood by
The law was fulfilled
And a dark kingdom fled from the lightBefore the hammers could ring
His blood touched the cross for me