11 Uplifting Shirley Caesar Songs

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11 Uplifting Shirley Caesar Songs features classics by the gospel legend, including “He’s Working It Out For You,” “Jesus, I Love Calling Your Name,” & “Satan You’re A Liar.”

Legendary. Shirley Caesar (b. 1938) is one of the greatest gospel musicians of all time. Anointed with an ultra-powerful instrument, few can match the authenticity, fire, and spirited performances of this pastor. My love for Pastor Shirley Caesar dates back to my childhood, when my mother would play her records (yes, vinyl) on Sunday mornings. The go-to album was I Remember Mama, released in 1989. However, Caesar’s ace-in-the-hole, by my estimations, “Jesus, I Love Calling Your Name”, also earned plenty of rotation. So, how do I honor one of my favorite gospel musicians? A playlist, specifically, 11 Uplifting Shirley Caesar Songs! 11 Uplifting Shirley Caesar Songs features classics by the gospel legend, including “He’s Working It Out For You”, “Jesus, I Love Calling Your Name”, and “Satan You’re A Liar”. So, without further ado, I hope Caesar touches your heart and soul as much as she’s touched mine on this list of some favorites from this gospel legend.

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1. Shirley Caesar, “Satan You’re A Liar”	2. Shirley Caesar, “Hold My Mule”	3. Shirley Caesar, “No Charge”
4. Shirley Caesar & Michelle Williams, “Steal Away To Jesus”	5. Shirley Caesar, “You Can Make It”	6. Shirley Caesar, “Jesus Is Everywhere”
7. Shirley Caesar, “He’s Working It Out For You”	8. Shirley Caesar, “He’ll Do It Again”	9. Shirley Caesar, “Mother Emanuel”
10. Shirley Caesar, “I Remember Mama”	11. Shirley Caesar, “Jesus, I Love Calling Your Name”

1. Shirley Caesar, “Satan, You’re a Liar”

Rejoice » Word, Inc. » 1980

“You said I’d never make it / You said I wouldn’t last.”

Who said that, Shirley Caesar? Why that dastardly, nefarious, no-good Satan! Woo! On “Satan, You’re A Liar”, the pastor and gospel music legend cries foul regarding “the father of every lie.” Without a doubt, Caesar understands how destructive Satan is. “Satan” is the fourth track from Caesar’s 1980 album, Rejoice. Aaron Wilburn (1950 – 2020) penned it.

From the beginning, “Satan, You’re A Liar” is on fire. Fitting, right? Right! The guitar accompaniment is striking, setting the tone of. The percussion, alongside the drums, is one of many selling points. The music has an enigmatic vibe, something that makes it stand out. Something else that makes this uplifting number stand out? It’s set in a minor key! Caesar delivers powerful and nuanced vocals. You buy every word she sings as she refuses to give in to the devil. “I gave my heart to Jesus / You laughed, and I heard you speak,” she sings in the second verse, and adds, “But I’ve walked with the Master / Through the flood and through the fire / And if I learned anything at all / I’ve learned you are a liar.” Lovely strings appear for the first time in the crème de la crème, the dramatic and fierce chorus:

“Satan, you’re a liar, you’re a liar

You should know by now, I know you are a liar

There’s one thing you can’t deny

You’re the father of every lie, you’re a liar.”

Beyond the chorus, there is an intriguing third verse/bridge, where the Pastor keeps the same energy (“I know you’re everything / In this world except my friend”). If there were ever a doubt, Shirley Caesar makes it crystal clear that “Satan, You’re A Liar”!

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2. Shirley Caesar, “Hold My Mule”

The Lord Will Make A Way » Word Entertainment » 1997

“I got beans, greens, potatoes, tomatoes / Lamb, rams, hogs, dogs / Chicken, turkeys, rabbit / You name it!”

Ooh-wee! That has to be some of the most infectious, unforgettable lyrics ever! Gospel artists are typically lower on the totem pole to go viral, yet our beloved Pastor Shirley Caesar did just that! Those #younameitchallenge lyrics hail from a live performance of her classic, “Hold My Mule” (more on that later). They are part of an elaborate sermon and story about praise. “Hold My Mule” is the fifth track from Caesar’s 1997 album, The Lord Will Make A Way.

Pastor Shirley preaches a sermon during the five minutes of “Hold My Mule,” accompanied by churchy, dramatic, gospelized music. The preacher chords are chording! The story that she tells has a positive message about giving thanks to God for all His blessings. The sermon centers around Shouting John, who is 86 years old in The Lord Will Make A Way version (90 in the viral live performance). The gist is, Shouting John becomes a member of a dead church that doesn’t believe in shouting. Say what?! After joining, he is filled with the spirit and ends up dancing and shouting. Meanwhile, the deacons try to suppress his praise. The deacons pay John a visit at home to confront him about his shouting and inform him that if he doesn’t stop, the church will put him out. John’s praise won’t be suppressed, as he tells them to put him out, and testifies to God’s goodness – his land, his children, etc. “‘If I can’t shout in your church’,” Caesar speaks from John’s perspective, “‘Hold my mule, I’m gon’ shout right now’.” That is powerful!

After speaking about embracing praising him, nearly five minutes into the nine-minute song, Caesar confirms her own unstoppable praise through singing. “I feel like praising, praising Him,” she sings, spiritedly, and continues, “Praise Him in the morning / Praise Him all day long / I feel like praising, praising Him.” Hallelujah! To those who don’t wish to praise, she tells ‘em, “Don’t hinder me.” Furthermore, she encourages us all, “Come on and praise the Lord while you have a chance.” Yes, the #younameitchallenge is fun, but what is even better and more meaningful is “Hold My Mule”, which makes it clear you should never suppress praise, and should praise Him every opportunity you have!

Appears in:

Shirley Caesar, Hold My Mule: Music Lifts No. 43 (2025)

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3. Shirley Caesar, “No Charge”

Jesus I Love Calling Your Name » Word, Incorporated » 1983

“For the nine months I carried you, holding you inside me, no charge.”

“No Charge” ranks among the best songs from the illustrious Shirley Caesar catalog. The pastor and gospel music legend recorded it in 1975. “No Charge” was originally recorded by country musician Melba Montgomery and written by iconic country songwriter Harlan Howard. “No Charge” is the sole song by Caesar that reached the Billboard Hot 100. It peaked at number 91. Caesar rerecorded it for her 1983 album, Jesus I Love Calling Your Name.

Caesar is not the mother but rather the aunt who narrates. The narrative is the same. A little boy brings a bill totaling $14.75 for his mother to pay for mowing the yard, making up his bed, playing with his little brother, and getting a good report card. Mama responds by reminding him of everything she’s done for him free of charge. She sings the lyrics expressively, bringing a Southern gospel vibe: “For the time and tears and the costs through the years / There is no charge / When you add it all up the full cost of my love is no charge.” Fittingly, as a gospel musician, Caesar brings Jesus into the mix at the end of the record, the biggest contrast to the original:

“I like to think about the very minute that he shedded his blood

My debt was paid in full

And I want you to know today

When you add it all up

The full cost of real love is no charge.”

“No Charge” is a powerful, timeless country gospel classic. Shirley Caesar is at her best.

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4. Shirley Caesar & Michelle Williams, “Steal Away to Jesus”

Hymns » Word Entertainment » 2002

“Steal away (Steal away) / Steal away home (I haven’t got long) / I haven’t got long (To say here) / To stay here.”

In 2001, legendary gospel musician Shirley Caesar and Grammy-winning Destiny’s Child standout, Michelle Williams, joined forces for a marvelous rendition of “Steal Away to Jesus”. These two anointed ladies spice up this traditional African American spiritual. “Steal Away” is the second track on Caesar’s 2001 album, Hymns, and the ninth track from Williams’ debut gospel album, Heart to Yours. “Steal Away” features a beautiful arrangement and production by Caesar, Bubba Smith, and Michael E. Mathis. With instrumentation and sounds including keys, organ, bass, guitar, drums, horns, and choir, it is sweet, spiritual music to the ears!

Caesar and the choir are the first voices heard, singing the chorus, excerpted earlier. Williams enters the mix during the second iteration of the chorus with a marvelous run showcasing her distinct voice. During the Destiny’s Child years, Williams had a unique voice that contrasted with Beyoncé and Kelly Rowland. Caesar sings the first verse, performing the call, with the choir responding: “My Lord, my Lord, he calls me (Calls me) / He calls me by the thunder (Thunder) / The trumpet sounds way down in my sanctified soul / I haven’t got long to stay here.” Amen! Williams sings the second verse, contrasting Caesar with her smoother pipes: “Green trees are bending (Are bending) / Sinners stand a-trembling (A-trembling) / The trumpet sounds within my soul / I haven’t got long to stay here.” Hallelujah! Williams kills it with her ad-libs during the chorus following the first two verses. She and Caesar split duties in the third and final verse, following up with a bridge that is unique to this contemporary rendition (“It’s gonna be over after a while / We won’t have to cry no more”). Approaching 25 years after releasing “Steal Away to Jesus”, this collaboration between Caesar and Williams remains epic. The musical lift is substantial 💪!

Appears in:

Michelle Williams & Shirley Caesar, Steal Away to Jesus: Music Lifts No. 21 (2025)

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5. Shirley Caesar, “You Can Make It”

You Can Make It » Word Entertainment LLC » 2000

“No hope it seems, still I believe / That I can make it.”

Amen 🙏! Despite feeling a lack of hope and a heaping dose of adversity, Shirley Caesar possesses faith! It seems her faith is even greater than a grain of mustard seed. She sincerely believes that the Lord is on her side on “You Can Make It”. “I am needing, the king and I,” she sings, continuing, “I will survive, and I know / I can make it.” “You Can Make It” is the third track from her 2000 album, also titled You Can Make It. Bearing superb contemporary gospel production, Caesar’s anointed vocals are expressive and nuanced. She sounds authentic and sincere as she encourages during dark times. The chorus is the section that truly warms the soul, as Caesar testifies of resilience, thanks to God. It is her Isaiah 54:17 moment: No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper.

“I can make it

Through the sunshine and rain

Make it

Through my sickness and pain

Make it

When they scandalize my name

Make it

Just as long as the Lord is on my side, everything I know will be alright

I can make, make it.”

During the second verse of this six-and-a-half-minute music ministry, Caesar continues to share adverse scenarios. Despite the odds seeming to be against you, the Pastor is an optimist because of Him: “But God is going to make us the head and not the tail / All you have to do is make up in your mind to make it.” That is a great message! During the second chorus, Caesar gets a lift from the choir, allowing her to riff and bless us with the sheer power of her instrument. “You Can Make It” is a fantastic, spiritually uplifting number. It speaks to the power of faith when things seem most dire. God can do anything!

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6. Shirley Caesar, “Jesus Is Everywhere”

I Remember Mama » Word Entertainment » 1989

“Jesus is everywhere / Jesus really cares.”

Yes, yes, YES 👏! Say that, Shirley Caesar! On her 1989 album, I Remember Mama, Caesar, and her accompanying choir uplift on “Jesus Is Everywhere”. In the encouraging, spirited chorus, the choir continues singing, “No matter what you’re going through / He’ll fix it up for you / For he knows just what to do.” That is a good word right there 🙌! While the chorus is the centerpiece, the verses are excellent too. In the first verse, the prudent proclamation is made, “He’ll be right there / Whenever you call / Your dearest friend will never let you fall / When you’re down to your last dime / He’ll step in right on time / And I know he’ll be right there.” Ah, the power of faith, even when things are hairy and seem impossible. Caesar touts the mercifulness of Almighty God and the fact that he’s always right on time! Another highlight occurs in the second verse: “Don’t depend on no one else / You talk to Jesus for yourself / And I know, he’ll answer your prayers.” Once more, Caesar highlights that faith piece and having a conversation with God – a relationship, if you will. Ultimately, “Jesus Is Everywhere” is epic, speaking to the excellence and omniscience of J-E-S-U-S.

Appears in:

Shirley Caesar, Jesus Is Everywhere: Music Lifts No. 17 (2023)

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7. Shirley Caesar, “He’s Working It Out For You”

He’s Working It Out For You » Word Entertainment LLC » 1991

“Though the pressures of life seems to weigh you down / And you don’t know which way to turn,”

Shirley Caesar sings, “God is concerned and He’s working it out for you.” Amen! Now that is a good word, pastor! The legendary gospel musician provides surefire encouragement on “He’s Working It Out For You”, the opener from her 1991 album, He’s Working It Out For You. Initially, Caesar is accompanied by piano. Backed by a fabulous gospel harmonic progression, she embraces faith despite adversity. Her vocals are authentic, soulful, and spirited. Every word the pastor sings, you buy.

In the second verse, accompanied by fuller instrumentation (piano, organ, bass, drums, etc.), Caesar sings, “Now you ask yourself, is there a word from the Lord / You need a blessing, and you need it right away / God is concerned, and He’s working it out for you.” In the third, her voice grows more spirited, setting the tone for God’s wonder-working power. Despite the lack of peace at home or work, bills, and failing health, the message remains consistent: God’s working it out. Before the three-minute mark, the choir joins in, amplifying the spirit in the chorus:

“He’s working it out

He’s working it out for you

God cares

I’m so glad to know He cares

I’m so glad to know He cares

And He’s working it out for you.”

Meanwhile, Caesar ad-libs, riffing at her finest. “He’s Working It Out For You” was released in the 1990s, yet its powerful message continues to resonate in this moving gospel gem.

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8. Shirley Caesar, “He’ll Do It Again”

I Remember Mama » Word Entertainment » 1989

“You may be down and feel like God / Has somehow forgotten /… God’s proven, time and time again / He’ll take care of you.”

Powerful! Shirley Caesar (b. 1938) delivers a mighty word on “He’ll Do It Again”, a record considered amongst her greatest hits. “He’ll Do It Again” appeared on Caesar’s 1989 album, I Remember Mama, an album I remember my mom playing ‘religiously’ during my childhood. “He’ll Do it Again” is a spiritually refreshing gem, finding the Pastor asserting God will be with us through our hardships and storms. If He did it once, why, “He’ll do it again!” Far too often, our faith is weak, and when we experience adversity, we’d rather criticize and be angry at God as opposed to believe and praise him. Ultimately, what the minister says is, trust, believe, and lean on Him – he’s already worked and will continue to work on your behalf! The chorus says it best:

“He’ll do it again

He’ll do it again

If you’ll just take a look

At where you are now

And where you’ve been

Well, hasn’t He always come through for you

He’s the same now as then (Don’t you know God has not changed)

You may not know how

You may not know when

But He’ll do it again.”

Need a musical lift? Look no further than “He’ll Do It Again” for that refresh!

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9. Shirley Caesar, “Mother Emanuel”

Fill This House » Entertainment One » 2016

“Oh, Mama, Mother Emanuel / You taught your children well / To Love instead of hate.”

Pastor Shirley Caesar is a legend in the black gospel community. Late in her illustrious career, Caesar recorded one of her most moving songs, “Mother Emanuel”. The tour de force appears on her 2016 album, Fill This House. If the name “Mother Emanuel” sounds familiar, as in ‘news headline familiar’, it should…

“Loves a place where hate can never dwell / Oh, Mama, Mother Emanuel.” “Mother Emanuel” references the Mother Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church. Why is the South Carolina Church significant beyond its history? It’s where the racially-driven mass shooting occurred in 2015, perpetrated by Dylann Roof, who murdered nine parishioners, including pastor (and state senator) Clementa Pinckney (1973 – 2015). It’s rare to find a gospel song that digs deeper into current events or societal issues specifically. “Mother Emanuel,” hence, has a deeper resonance and significance. Caesar honors the memory of those slain and encourages the church, community, and the nation shaken by this horrible, senseless hate crime.

“Emanuel

Mother Emanuel

Lord with us,

Lord will never fail

Oh, mama, Mother Emanuel.”

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10. Shirley Caesar, “I Remember Mama”

I Remember Mama » Word Entertainment » 1989

“I remember Mama, and the love that she gave / Kneeling by her bedside, I can still hear Mama say.”

Pastor Shirley Caesar has sung about her mother numerous times. These touching, maternal songs never grow old. Among the crème de la crème of her mama songs is “I Remember Mama”, the titular track from her 1989 album (a personal favorite). Caesar is thankful for having a caring, encouraging, and loving mother, asserting in the chorus, “I remember Mama, in a happy way.” The Pastor sings authentically and sincerely throughout, bringing the meaningful and moving lyrics to life, as well as the tuneful melodies.

Caesar lays out how wonderful her mother was – a true blessing from the Most High. She states that “Mama kept the family together,” even in times of poverty. “She packed our lunch in an old, greasy bag,” she sings in the third verse, and continues, “It might have seemed empty / But it was more than others had / It had a lot of love way down deep inside.” Moving! Caesar acknowledges her mama is no longer living, memorably and poetically singing, “Now Mama is sleeping in the bosom of Jesus Christ / Somehow, I know she’s smiling, she’s smiling on us right now.” Beyond the singing, there is an unforgettable spoken bridge, where Caesar imparts a tale about playing church with her sibling. Her mother disapproved of such. After Ann, Caesar’s sister, tattled, her mom observed Shirley, realizing, at that particular time, she wasn’t playing!

“Mama came to the door

When she looked out there and saw me shouting and dancing all over the back of the yard

Tears all over my face

It’s just a life higher

Mama looked out there, and she said, ‘She ain’t playing this time’.”

Backed by an anointed choir and anointed musicians, performing for a live audience, Shirley Caesar delivers the goods on “I Remember Mama”, a timeless, must-hear, faith-based mama song!

Appears in:

Shirley Caesar, I Remember Mama: Music Lifts No. 2 (2026)

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11. Shirley Caesar, “Jesus, I Love Calling Your Name”

Her Very Best » Word Entertainment / Curb » 1987

“Jesus (Jesus) / Oh Jesus (Jesus) / Oh how I love / Calling your name.”

Ah – simple yet moving, potent lyrics! Shirley Caesar is one of the greatest gospel musicians of all time, PERIOD. She’s recorded numerous gospel gems, ministering to many souls that needed to be fed. A personal favorite Caesar classic is none other than “Jesus, I Love Calling Your Name”, which appears as the second track on her 1987 compilation album, Her Very Best.

“Jesus, I Love Calling Your Name” showcases Caesar at ‘her very best.’ She’s incredibly assertive, performing over a smooth but energetic contemporary gospel backdrop. Even with those smooth 80s vibes supporting her, Shirley doesn’t hold back in the least. She makes it known she’s praising ‘Him’ and she wants the whole world to hear. Why is she so ‘bold’ in her faith? He – Jesus – has been so good, merciful, and never failed her. “When my troubles surround me / And I didn’t have to despair,” she sings on the first verse, continuing, “Lord, you told me / That you’ll be right there.” Later, on the second verse, she recalls, “I remember the time / When I felt so all alone / When I needed you Jesus / All I had to do was call.” She makes it clear she’s ‘called him’ at all hours of the day, asserting, “When I got off my knees, Jesus / Everything was alright.” She characterizes Him by numerous names, whether it’s Rose of Sharon, Lily of the Valley, or “my mountain mover.”

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11 Uplifting Shirley Caesar Songs (2026) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Curb, Word Entertainment LLC, Word, Inc.; Canva AI; Gordon Johnson from Pixabay]

11 Uplifting Shirley Caesar Songs | Playlist

Published by the musical hype on February 1, 2026February 1, 2026