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Forever and Ever, Amen: The Heart-Warming Stories Behind the Music of Paul Overstreet
The Power of a Simple Song "If I had to pick my favorite Overstreet song, it would have to be 'Forever and Ever, Amen' ... Over the years, I've recorded quite a few Paul Overstreet songs. I consider myself very fortunate each time I stand before and audience and sing his songs. More often than any other time, I see the powerful effect his words have on people."— From the Foreword by Randy Travis
Seldom has an American Country musician changed the face and tenor of the modern-day genre with as much impact as has Paul Overstreet— the humble songwriter who chose to stop writing songs about misery and start writing songs that affirm family, the joys of marriage, staying faithful and finding happiness, and honoring your parents. These songs have gone on to become huge hits for Country artists such as Randy Travis, Tanya Tucker, Paul Davis, and the Judds. In his own words— and with the voluble agreement of his hundreds of fans, who wrote e-mails to his website— Paul tells how he was inspired to write such hits as "I Fell in Love Again Last Night," "Same Ole Me," "Forever and Ever, Amen," "Heroes," "On the Other Hand," "Sowin' Love," "Til the Mountains Disappear," "When You Say Nothing at All," and so many others. Forever and Ever, Amen is a celebration of life once lost, now found— and a man who has written songs that have touched so many others in their everyday lives.
Seldom has an American Country musician changed the face and tenor of the modern-day genre with as much impact as has Paul Overstreet— the humble songwriter who chose to stop writing songs about misery and start writing songs that affirm family, the joys of marriage, staying faithful and finding happiness, and honoring your parents. These songs have gone on to become huge hits for Country artists such as Randy Travis, Tanya Tucker, Paul Davis, and the Judds. In his own words— and with the voluble agreement of his hundreds of fans, who wrote e-mails to his website— Paul tells how he was inspired to write such hits as "I Fell in Love Again Last Night," "Same Ole Me," "Forever and Ever, Amen," "Heroes," "On the Other Hand," "Sowin' Love," "Til the Mountains Disappear," "When You Say Nothing at All," and so many others. Forever and Ever, Amen is a celebration of life once lost, now found— and a man who has written songs that have touched so many others in their everyday lives.
219 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2001
486 people are currently reading
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
March 26, 2023
The background stories on the songs by Paul Overstreet. The heartfelt love that went into each song and syllable. It is truly astounding as to what goes into a song, but also the numerous things (ideas, inspirations, etc.) that cause a song to come into being. If you like music, especially that of Randy Travis, you will like this book that touches on one of Randy Travis' greatest albums.
August 18, 2024
Forever and Ever, Amen: The Heart-Warming Stories Behind the Music of Paul Overstreet by Paul Overstreet with a foreword by Randy Travis. Paul Overstreet, a humble songwriter, chose to write songs that affirm family, the joys of marriage and faith. He would change the face of modern day country music as he no longer wanted to write about misery or “love gone wrong” songs. His songs would end becoming big hits for artists like Randy Travis (Forever and Ever, Amen, On The Other Hand), Keith Whitley and Alison Krauss (When You Say Nothing at All) and the Judds (Love Can Build a Bridge) and many, many more. Featuring the story behind the writing of some of his biggest hits, as well as personal testaments to the impact on the songs had the audiences who wrote about the influence his words had on them.
Paul Overstreet’s success is in the power of a simple song. I loved reading about the story behind his lyrics as well as the letters from audiences about the impact his words had on their lives. I was reminded about the great music Mr Overstreet wrote for country music as well as songs I did not know he wrote. As I read about each song, I quickly went to my music app to add my favorites to my playlist. Forever and Ever, Amen is a quick read as readers will be drawn into the simple story of a simple man bringing beautiful songs to the world. It is not a complicated book. Just a man discussing his life, his faith and his inspiration behind some of the greatest love songs in country music. If you love country music or inspirational stories, I highly, highly recommend Forever and Ever, Amen.
Forever and Ever, Amen is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook
Paul Overstreet’s success is in the power of a simple song. I loved reading about the story behind his lyrics as well as the letters from audiences about the impact his words had on their lives. I was reminded about the great music Mr Overstreet wrote for country music as well as songs I did not know he wrote. As I read about each song, I quickly went to my music app to add my favorites to my playlist. Forever and Ever, Amen is a quick read as readers will be drawn into the simple story of a simple man bringing beautiful songs to the world. It is not a complicated book. Just a man discussing his life, his faith and his inspiration behind some of the greatest love songs in country music. If you love country music or inspirational stories, I highly, highly recommend Forever and Ever, Amen.
Forever and Ever, Amen is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook
November 14, 2022
Inspiring Autobiography
I hadn’t listened to Paul’s music for years now, but remembered how encouraging and inspiring his songs were when I was a young wife and mother. The background for many of his songs are chronicled in his book and he explains how
he was inspired to write each one and how the events in his life at the time shaped his career in music. I recommend listening to the songs as you read about the story behind them and the letters from fans that were impacted by Paul’s music and lyrics.
I hadn’t listened to Paul’s music for years now, but remembered how encouraging and inspiring his songs were when I was a young wife and mother. The background for many of his songs are chronicled in his book and he explains how
he was inspired to write each one and how the events in his life at the time shaped his career in music. I recommend listening to the songs as you read about the story behind them and the letters from fans that were impacted by Paul’s music and lyrics.
May 13, 2020
Skimming book
I had no idea what this book was about. I don’t usually read a book’s summary before I read it because I like the element of surprise. This book is the backstory to the author’s songs. He has fan letters after his explanation. Interesting but I definitely skimmed most of this book.
I had no idea what this book was about. I don’t usually read a book’s summary before I read it because I like the element of surprise. This book is the backstory to the author’s songs. He has fan letters after his explanation. Interesting but I definitely skimmed most of this book.
May 14, 2020
A powerful expose of what God can do in your life of you will allow him
I love Paul Overstreet songs. God has truly blessed him to write songs that touch so many people. My favorite song is Love Can Build a Bridge. I will be waiting for the sequel that covers the other songs he has written. I highly recommend this book. It will list your spirit.
I love Paul Overstreet songs. God has truly blessed him to write songs that touch so many people. My favorite song is Love Can Build a Bridge. I will be waiting for the sequel that covers the other songs he has written. I highly recommend this book. It will list your spirit.
June 6, 2020
I Say Yes, To Your Will & To Your Way
Oh the places we can go & things we can accomplish if we just say Yes, Lord. Thank you, Paul Overstreet for your obedience. If I never get to meet you on earth (do you ever come to Ketchikan, Alaska?!), I’ll be happy to one day sing with you in Heaven.
Oh the places we can go & things we can accomplish if we just say Yes, Lord. Thank you, Paul Overstreet for your obedience. If I never get to meet you on earth (do you ever come to Ketchikan, Alaska?!), I’ll be happy to one day sing with you in Heaven.
September 13, 2020
If You Love the LORD & Country Music Read This Book
This book is authored by Paul Overstreet who it turns out wrote many country songs, including the one the book is titled. He also performed some yet I had never heard of him. This is no good-goody book, as Paul went through a lot of rough patches, yet managed to overcome to produce a voluminous body of uplifting works.
This book is authored by Paul Overstreet who it turns out wrote many country songs, including the one the book is titled. He also performed some yet I had never heard of him. This is no good-goody book, as Paul went through a lot of rough patches, yet managed to overcome to produce a voluminous body of uplifting works.
July 2, 2021
I really liked this song
This song sung by Randy Travis really touched me. I didn't realize it was written by Paul Overstreet. And I had no idea of alk the songs he did write. Reading the lyrics in this book gave me the desire to hear them sung on CD. Looks like I will be going to independent records soon and hopefully my old player will work.
This song sung by Randy Travis really touched me. I didn't realize it was written by Paul Overstreet. And I had no idea of alk the songs he did write. Reading the lyrics in this book gave me the desire to hear them sung on CD. Looks like I will be going to independent records soon and hopefully my old player will work.
January 28, 2023
I would have liked to have rated this higher. I love Paul Overstreet’s music and have listened to it for decades now. I really enjoyed playing the videos that I could find on YouTube as I went through this book, something that wouldn’t have been possible when the book was first published. But I found the book to be more of a booklet, with lots of filler.
January 26, 2025
One of the first nonfiction books I have read for a few years. Second time reading it. I love Paul's music, and it was cool to read the story behind some of his songs and how they affected others.
Sadly, in recent years, he has gone back to the kind of music he left to serve God. One of his recent CDs has an adult content warning.
Sadly, in recent years, he has gone back to the kind of music he left to serve God. One of his recent CDs has an adult content warning.
May 27, 2020
Glad to read his stories of faith
Simply written, but his faith in God and love for his family shines through. I don’t think I’ve ever heard his songs but I’m intrigued enough to listen now.
Simply written, but his faith in God and love for his family shines through. I don’t think I’ve ever heard his songs but I’m intrigued enough to listen now.
September 16, 2020
I was in love with some of these songs, but never knew that so many were written by Paul Overstreet. This book was touching and heartfelt. I cried and laughed and reminisced throughout. Thank you for sharing not only your life and family with me, but also your love of our God.
December 12, 2020
Behind the songs
Enjoyed stories about effects well known songs had on writing of them and listening to them. Well structured book format. Anyone knowing the song writer will enjoy the book.
Enjoyed stories about effects well known songs had on writing of them and listening to them. Well structured book format. Anyone knowing the song writer will enjoy the book.
September 20, 2022
Behind the music
The stories behind Paul Overstreet's music. It's not a long and over dramatized story. The story quite simple, but the letters for people being blessed with the music was abundant.
The stories behind Paul Overstreet's music. It's not a long and over dramatized story. The story quite simple, but the letters for people being blessed with the music was abundant.
September 22, 2022
Music for the Heart
This book is written by the song writer himself. It reflects back in how and why he wrote each song. It does full my heart with love and my eyes with tears. Best I have read in quite a while.
This book is written by the song writer himself. It reflects back in how and why he wrote each song. It does full my heart with love and my eyes with tears. Best I have read in quite a while.
October 8, 2022
Inspiring!
This was a totally different genre than I usually read. I enjoyed getting to know someone I only knew by name, and the story behind the songs. Interesting format and a testimony to the goodness of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
This was a totally different genre than I usually read. I enjoyed getting to know someone I only knew by name, and the story behind the songs. Interesting format and a testimony to the goodness of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
May 13, 2020
Hallelujah
It was refreshing to read about a young man who gave his life and music to God. I may not like a country singer who sings his songs but I love the messages in them.
It was refreshing to read about a young man who gave his life and music to God. I may not like a country singer who sings his songs but I love the messages in them.
May 16, 2020
It was ok a great song writer and good person. I just didn't like the style for me!!
May 20, 2020
Why
I fell in love with Randy Travis sons what they ment and this is about Paul who wrote the songs and what made him Wright them.
I fell in love with Randy Travis sons what they ment and this is about Paul who wrote the songs and what made him Wright them.
June 23, 2020
Good book
I always liked Paul’s music and seeing this book I knew I had to read it. I learned a lot about where the inspiration to write his songs came from.
I always liked Paul’s music and seeing this book I knew I had to read it. I learned a lot about where the inspiration to write his songs came from.
July 23, 2020
Wow!
This book was a great story of how Paul Overstreet had walked away from God but also how God got a hold of him again. Go read it!
This book was a great story of how Paul Overstreet had walked away from God but also how God got a hold of him again. Go read it!
October 6, 2020
I loved the songs and was interested in the stories.
Read
September 15, 2022Forever and Ever, Amen
No Spoiler! For those who like and enjoy Real Country Music you will get the opportunity to fall in love.
No Spoiler! For those who like and enjoy Real Country Music you will get the opportunity to fall in love.
June 5, 2025
Thank you for be obedient
A wonderful book about obedience to God and the blessings associated by following Jesus. Good is Good All the Time!
A wonderful book about obedience to God and the blessings associated by following Jesus. Good is Good All the Time!
September 29, 2011
I've enjoyed Paul Overstreet's music for many years, without realizing all of those songs were his, because most of the versions I heard were those performed by other artists such as Randy Travis and Alison Krauss. Many of Overstreet's songs could be classified as 'Country Christian' and were inspired by the end of his battle with drugs, at which point he became a born-again Christian and found both meaning and love in his life. Yet from the same pen that wrote such gems as 'When You Say Nothing At All' and 'Forever and Ever, Amen', we got 'She Thinks His Tractor's Sexy', a big hit nonetheless, but seemingly out of place among the others.
The book combines Paul's inspiration for and personal stories about some of his most popular songs with fan letters about what each song meant to them. I bought the book expecting an autobiography, so I'd have honestly preferred only the former, with Paul explaining in greater detail how the darkest years of his life and his subsequent rebirth led to becoming one of the most successful songwriters of the early 1990s. The letters were a nice touch, but they got old quickly because so many said the same thing with just a different song being referred to. Early on, it also seemed like an advertisement for the marriage seminar series at which Paul played some of those songs. The letters would have been better as an appendix at the end of the biography and fewer in number.
Unfortunately, the book is a bit dated, as I never knew Paul Overstreet to be a singer, and other than those songs mentioned above, I wasn't familiar with most of the songs in the book. That said, these seem to be the ones Paul found most special, and it's one of the reasons I read such books, to learn about the author/artist and discover more about the music. Included in the book is a CD, though since I was reading the book on dinner breaks at work, I've not had a chance to listen to it yet, but it does have some of those songs that will be 'new' to me, despite being hits 15-20 years ago.
Overall, I enjoyed Paul's writings in the book, the song lyrics in each chapter, the little blurbs about Paul's or the songs' accolades, and the unique letters, but could have done without those that seemed to be merely fawning over Paul, his song, or his seminar. The pictures included in the book were a nice touch as well, especially the one of him at a NASCAR race. Seems we both root for the same driver. :)
The book combines Paul's inspiration for and personal stories about some of his most popular songs with fan letters about what each song meant to them. I bought the book expecting an autobiography, so I'd have honestly preferred only the former, with Paul explaining in greater detail how the darkest years of his life and his subsequent rebirth led to becoming one of the most successful songwriters of the early 1990s. The letters were a nice touch, but they got old quickly because so many said the same thing with just a different song being referred to. Early on, it also seemed like an advertisement for the marriage seminar series at which Paul played some of those songs. The letters would have been better as an appendix at the end of the biography and fewer in number.
Unfortunately, the book is a bit dated, as I never knew Paul Overstreet to be a singer, and other than those songs mentioned above, I wasn't familiar with most of the songs in the book. That said, these seem to be the ones Paul found most special, and it's one of the reasons I read such books, to learn about the author/artist and discover more about the music. Included in the book is a CD, though since I was reading the book on dinner breaks at work, I've not had a chance to listen to it yet, but it does have some of those songs that will be 'new' to me, despite being hits 15-20 years ago.
Overall, I enjoyed Paul's writings in the book, the song lyrics in each chapter, the little blurbs about Paul's or the songs' accolades, and the unique letters, but could have done without those that seemed to be merely fawning over Paul, his song, or his seminar. The pictures included in the book were a nice touch as well, especially the one of him at a NASCAR race. Seems we both root for the same driver. :)
May 19, 2020
3.5 Ebook I've always been a fan of Paul Overstreets music so I was looking forward to hearing his story... Unfortunately this was not it. More to do with the background of his songs and way to many fan letters after each one! I guess that is what the book was supposed to be about but.....
December 16, 2019
I really enjoy the music of Paul Overstreet. It was good to be able to read the heart behind the music and the inspiration for the songs.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews