Introduction:
“Seeing Is Believing” by Elvis Presley is a gospel track recorded on May 19, 1971, and released in 1972 as part of his album He Touched Me. The song’s lyrics, written by Red West and Glen Spreen, celebrate the beauty of the natural world as evidence of a higher power, expressing that witnessing the wonders of nature can deepen one’s faith in God. This theme fits well with the album’s spiritual focus, which was a departure from Presley’s earlier secular works, as He Touched Me featured a selection of gospel songs that reflect Presley’s strong connection to gospel music and its role in his life and career.
Lyrically, “Seeing Is Believing” uses imagery of landscapes like mountains, valleys, and skies filled with stars to evoke the divine. The repeated refrain emphasizes how the act of observing these natural wonders affirms one’s spiritual beliefs, suggesting that faith can be bolstered by what one can see and experience in the world around them. This reflection on spirituality and faith was central to Presley’s gospel recordings, which had consistently earned him both commercial success and critical acclaim.
The song reached audiences beyond traditional gospel listeners, contributing to He Touched Me’s success, which earned a Grammy Award for Best Inspirational Performance and later achieved Platinum certification. This song, along with others on the album, helped cement Presley’s legacy within gospel music as he blended his unique style with profound themes of faith and devotion.