The Jackson Southernaires, You Can’t Beat God Giving | Music Lifts

In the 25^th edition of Music Lifts (2026), we’re uplifted by The Jackson Southernaires performing “You Can’t Beat God Giving.”

Welcome to Music Lifts, featuring songs that encourage, inspire, and uplift the spirit; songs that exude fortitude, positivity, and resolve, even in the face of adversity.  Featured songs aren’t genre-specific; songs may or may not be faith-based. The goal is for these songs to make you feel better – be LIFTED to new heights!  So, for the 25^th edition of Music Lifts (2026), we highlight “You Can’t Beat God Giving” as performed by The Jackson Southernaires.

Amen, amen, amen! The Jackson Southernaires were one of the premier black gospel groups. Mississippi gets a bad rap, but the musical talent is not part of it. On “You Can’t Beat God Giving”, the gifted collective keeps it simple: they sing about the goodness and mercy of God. They lift our spirits, reminding us that we have so much to be thankful for, things we often take for granted.  “You Can’t Beat God Giving” is the fifth track from the group’s 1976 album, All God’s Children.

“You Can’t Beat God Giving” is delightful in many ways.  It begins with the production and sound.  The guitar chords are gorgeous, lush. Beyond the guitar, a robust bass line anchors the low end.  The cherry on top is the warm, churchy organ, signifying traditional black gospel music. Kicking things off is a spoken word introduction that sets the tone.  Soon enough, the superb vocal arrangement is on full display. The multi-part vocal harmonies are divine. The falsetto, included within those harmonies, is incredibly ripe, oozing with soul.  The lead vocals are terrific, filled with authenticity and sincerity, speaking to God’s goodness and mercy.  Notably, The Jackson Southernaires put their own spin on this Doris Akers (1922 – 1995) composition.  The melodies are starkly different.  The musical changes made are part of what makes it stand out.  What is unchanging is testifying to the greatness of God and all the things he has blessed us with. Fittingly, the question is asked and vamped, “Tell me, did you thank him for it?” Well, did you? “You Can’t Beat God Giving” is a timeless, inspirational gem. The Jackson Southernaires made it even more memorable by tweaking it.

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The Jackson Southernaires » All God’s Children » Malaco, Inc. » 1976

The Jackson Southernaires, You Can’t Beat God Giving: Music Lifts No. 25 (2026) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Malaco, Inc.; Emma Bauso, foad shariyati, nappy, Niko Twisty, Victoria Strelka_ph, Wolrider YURTSEVEN from Pexels; Gordon Johnson from Pixabay]

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