Don Williams – Lord, I hope this day is good (1981)

Ah, gotta take you back to the smooth stylings of the “Gentle Giant” of country music, Don Williams. Released in 1981, “Lord, I Hope This Day Is Good” quickly became a signature tune for Williams. The song wasn’t written by Williams himself, but by songwriter Dave Hanner. It appeared on Williams’ album Especially for You, a collection of heartfelt ballads that resonated deeply with his audience. While the album itself didn’t quite reach the top of the charts, “Lord, I Hope This Day Is Good” became a fan favorite, reaching #1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart for one week and spending a total of twenty weeks on the chart altogether.

The song’s simple yet powerful message struck a chord with listeners. It’s a quiet prayer for a good day, a heartfelt reflection on the blessings of life, and a testament to the enduring power of faith. The lyrics paint a picture – a narrator expresses his hope for a day filled with peace, kindness, and perhaps a touch of good fortune (“Maybe the mailman brings a surprise”). Lines like “Lord, I hope the folks I love are well today” and “I hope I can do a little good along the way” capture a sense of decency and compassion that resonated with Williams’ core audience.