5. Michael Ray, “Real Men Love Jesus”

[Michael Ray, 2015]

“Real men love women / fast cars and livin’ / out on the edge so far / they’re gonna need forgivin’ / real men like football…”

Country songs are no stranger to referencing Jesus.  Up-and-comer Michael Ray does just that on this beautiful ballad from his self-titled debut. Arguably, “Real Men Love Jesus” is more about simplicity and commonplace American traditions, particularly in the south.

For some folks, this song will play stereotypically and ultra-conservatively – likely those who doubt a “real man” looks the same universally.  Ray doesn’t go into depth about his relationship with Jesus, but references his opinion that loving Jesus is a characteristic of a “real man.”

“Real men love Jesus / they don’t believe in leavin’ / when the goin’ gets tough / they just keep on keepin’” 

6. Kid Rock, “Jesus and Bocephus”

[First Kiss, 2015]

“Cause I got Jesus and Bocephus / they both help me to live my life / I went from Jim Beam to my Bible / With Jesus and Bocephus right there by my side”

This one is pretty simple.  Two things are important to Kid Rock: (1) Jesus and (2) Hank Williams, Jr., also known as “Bocephus.”