Billy Preston – “That’s The Way God Planned It”: A Soulful Anthem of Faith and Love
Released in 1969, “That’s The Way God Planned It” by Billy Preston quickly became one of the standout tracks of his career. Known as “the Fifth Beatle” for his contributions to some of The Beatles’ most iconic songs, Preston’s own music often blended elements of soul, gospel, and pop. “That’s The Way God Planned It” is no exception — a spiritually uplifting anthem that seamlessly merges faith with infectious groove. But what makes this track so special, and why does it continue to resonate with listeners today?
1. A Powerful Expression of Faith
At its heart, “That’s The Way God Planned It” is a song of deep faith and trust in God’s divine plan. The lyrics reflect the belief that, no matter how uncertain life may seem, everything happens for a reason and is part of a bigger plan. The song’s hopeful message encourages listeners to embrace the ups and downs of life, recognizing that they are part of a divine design. This powerful theme of surrender and trust in a higher power gives the song a timeless, comforting quality.
Preston, who was deeply influenced by gospel music, used his own religious beliefs to inspire the song’s message. The track’s uplifting tone and earnest lyrics make it a spiritual anthem that touches on universal themes of faith, love, and acceptance.
2. Billy Preston’s Soulful Vocals and Impressive Musicianship
One of the key reasons why “That’s The Way God Planned It” stands out is Billy Preston’s soulful vocal performance. His smooth, yet impassioned delivery of the lyrics adds emotional weight to the song, helping to convey the deep sense of belief and trust in God. His voice resonates with authenticity, bringing warmth and sincerity to the track.
In addition to his vocal talent, Preston’s musicianship on the Hammond organ and keyboard is another standout feature. His mastery of the instrument adds a rich layer of depth to the song’s soulful arrangement, blending gospel and pop influences seamlessly. As with many of his works, Preston’s ability to fuse genres into a cohesive sound was one of his defining traits, and “That’s The Way God Planned It” showcases this talent perfectly.
3. The Groove: A Perfect Mix of Soul and Pop
Musically, “That’s The Way God Planned It” is a dynamic blend of soul, pop, and gospel influences. The song opens with a compelling groove, driven by a smooth rhythm section and Preston’s soulful keyboard work. As the song progresses, the arrangement becomes more layered, with lush backing vocals and a powerful brass section that elevates the track to a whole new level.
The production on the track is clean yet vibrant, capturing the energy of a live performance. The mix of upbeat tempo and gospel-inspired harmonies gives it an irresistible energy, inviting listeners to clap along and join in the celebration of faith. The catchy hook, “That’s the way God planned it,” combined with its spirited instrumental breaks, makes the song unforgettable.
4. Collaborations with Iconic Musicians
Though it’s a Billy Preston solo track, “That’s The Way God Planned It” features contributions from a group of notable musicians. One of the most exciting elements of the song is the involvement of George Harrison, who co-produced the track and played guitar. Given Harrison’s deep interest in spirituality and Eastern philosophy during the late 1960s, his involvement in the song added an extra layer of authenticity to its themes of faith.
Additionally, the track features backing vocals from a group of talented artists, including members of The Swampers, a renowned backing band. Their harmonies help elevate the song’s gospel flavor, making it feel like a spiritual collective experience. The collaboration between Preston, Harrison, and other musicians brought an exciting fusion of musical styles that created a sound both unique and universally appealing.
5. The Song’s Lasting Impact
Although “That’s The Way God Planned It” wasn’t a major commercial hit at the time of its release, the song has since become one of Billy Preston’s most cherished tracks. Its soulful message of divine purpose and the uplifting blend of gospel and pop continue to resonate with listeners around the world. Over the years, the song has been appreciated for its positive energy and inspiring lyrics.
The track also holds a special place in the legacy of Billy Preston, a musician whose contributions to both his own work and The Beatles’ catalog are often overlooked. “That’s The Way God Planned It” showcases his full range of musical abilities — as a vocalist, keyboardist, and composer — and serves as a testament to his influence in shaping modern soul and pop music.
6. A Timeless Message for Today
In today’s world, “That’s The Way God Planned It” remains relevant for its message of hope, faith, and understanding that life is guided by a greater purpose. In a time of uncertainty, the song’s message provides comfort, reminding listeners to trust in the divine plan even when things seem out of control. Its optimistic tone and catchy melody make it an uplifting anthem for all generations, continuing to inspire listeners to find strength and faith in the face of life’s challenges.
Conclusion
Billy Preston’s “That’s The Way God Planned It” is a song that captures the heart and soul of the late 1960s, blending infectious grooves with spiritual depth. From Preston’s heartfelt vocals to the song’s energetic production, it’s a track that seamlessly combines the personal and the universal. With its timeless message of faith and trust in a higher power, “That’s The Way God Planned It” continues to be an anthem of positivity and belief. It’s a perfect example of how music can serve as both an emotional outlet and a source of spiritual encouragement, resonating with audiences across generations.
Lyrics: That’s The Way God Planned It
Why can’t we be humble
Like the good Lord say?
He promised to exalt us
But love is the wayHow men be so greedy
When there’s so much left?
All things are God-given
And they all have been blessedThat’s the way God planned it
That’s the way God wants it to be
That’s the way God planned it
That’s the way God wants it to beLet not your heart be troubled
Let mourning, sobbing cease
Learn to help one another
And live in perfect peaceIf we’d just be humble
Like the good Lord say, yeah
He promised to exalt us
But love is the wayThat’s the way God planned it
That’s the way God wants it to be
You better believe me
(That’s the way God planned it)
(That’s the way God wants it to be)I hope you get this message
Where you won’t, others will
You don’t understand me
But I’ll love you stillThat’s the way God planned it
That’s the way God wants it to be
Yeah, yeah, yeah
(That’s the way God planned it)
That’s the way God wants it to be
You better believe meThat’s the way God planned it
That’s the way God wants it to be
That’s the way God planned it
That’s the way God wants it to be
That’s the way God planned it
That’s the way God wants it to be
