Drugs or Jesus

"Drugs or Jesus" is a song written by Brett James, Troy Verges, Aimee Mayo and Chris Lindsey, and recorded by American country music singer Tim McGraw. It was released in January 2005 as the third single from his album Live Like You Were Dying. It peaked at number 14, thus becoming his first single since "Two Steppin' Mind" in 1993 to miss the top ten (not counting "Tiny Dancer").^[1]

"Drugs or Jesus"
Single by Tim McGraw
from the album Live Like You Were Dying
Released	January 17, 2005
Recorded	2004
Genre	Country
Length	4:39
Label	Curb
Songwriter(s)	Brett James Chris Lindsey Aimee Mayo Troy Verges
Producer(s)	Byron Gallimore Tim McGraw Darran Smith
Tim McGraw singles chronology
"Over and Over" (2004) "Drugs or Jesus" (2005) "Do You Want Fries with That" (2005)

Content

The narrator talks about how in his hometown, people follow their own paths in life and either choose drugs or Jesus.

Critical reception

Kevin John Coyne, reviewing the song for Country Universe, gave it a positive rating. He says that the song is one of McGraw's best performances ever.^[2]

Music video

The music video was directed and produced by Sherman Halsey, and premiered on CMT on January 21, 2005. It shows McGraw walking through an old house. He does not wear a cowboy hat, but rather a knit cap.

Chart positions

Chart (2005)	Peak position
Canada Country (Radio & Records)[3]	6
US Hot Country Songs (Billboard)[4]	14
US Billboard Hot 100[5]	87

Year-end charts

Chart (2005)	Position
US Country Songs (Billboard)[6]	55