Introduction
“Leave It There”—originally penned in 1916 by African‑American Methodist minister Charles A. Tindley—is a beloved gospel hymn urging believers to cast their burdens onto the Lord . Originally titled “Take Your Burden to the Lord and Leave It There,” it draws inspiration from biblical texts such as Psalm 55:22 and Matthew 11:28–30 . Tindley’s hymn became a standard, recorded in multiple renditions by gospel and blues artists like Washington Phillips (1927), Pace Jubilee Singers (1928), and Blind Willie Johnson (1929) .
More than a century later, the hymn found new resonance through Joey + Rory, the country‑bluegrass duo formed by Rory Feek and his wife, Joey. Though primarily celebrated for their country career post‑“Can You Duet?” in 2008, they expanded into Christian country, releasing “Leave It There” on their 2013 album Inspired: Songs of Faith & Family.
Following Joey’s death from cervical cancer in March 2016, the hymn took on added poignancy. On the day of Joey’s funeral, a close friend and gospel singer, Bradley Walker, performed “Leave It There” at her graveside service—at Joey’s own request . The deeply moving performance caught the attention of Bill Gaither, leading to a Gaither Music Group recording and video produced by Rory Feek . Brouth into live DVD and CD formats, this version continues the hymn’s long legacy, now interwoven with the Feeks’ personal and spiritual story.
Rory Feek—an acclaimed songwriter behind hits like Blake Shelton’s “Some Beach” and Clay Walker’s “The Chain of Love”—has long conveyed heartfelt, faith-driven storytelling ,. His rendition of “Leave It There,” both in studio and live contexts, connects Tindley’s century‑old encouragement with intimate testimony of loss, faith, healing, and hope.
Video
Lyrics
If the world from you withholds of its silver and its gold
And you have to get along with meager fare
Just remember, in his word, how he feeds the little bird
Take your burden to the Lord, leave it there
Leave it there, leave it there
Just take your burden to the Lord oh and leave it there
If you trust him through your doubt, he will surely bring you out
Take your burden to the Lord, leave it there
Now if your body suffers pain and your health you can’t regain
And your soul is slowly sinking in despair
Jesus knows the pain you feel, he can save and he can heal
Take your burden to the Lord, leave it there
Leave it there, leave it there
Just take your burden to the Lord oh and leave it there
If you trust him through your doubt, he will surely bring you out
Take your burden to the Lord, leave it there
Take your burden to the Lord
Leave it there
(Leave it there)
Leave it there