What If My Family Were Gospel Songs?
ChatGPT Chose the Songs — Then I Told You Whether I Agreed
What happens when you ask ChatGPT to choose a gospel song for every person in your family?
Well, apparently, you get a whole lot of memories, a few surprises, some songs I’ve never heard before, and more than a couple of moments where I sat there thinking, “I’m not sure about this one.”
And I want to make something very clear before we begin:
I did not choose these songs. ChatGPT did.
ChatGPT looked at what it knew about each person, chose a song, and explained why.
Then I listened.
And I gave you my honest reaction.
Sometimes I agreed.
Sometimes I didn’t.
Sometimes I needed to listen to the song again before making up my mind.
That’s what makes this different from simply making a playlist. These aren’t songs I picked because they were already favorites. These are songs ChatGPT thought represented the people I love.
And I wanted to see whether it really knew us.
Me — “Because He Lives”
ChatGPT chose “Because He Lives” by Bill and Gloria Gaither for me. The song was written by Bill and Gloria Gaither and first released in 1971.
Why ChatGPT chose it
ChatGPT said my life isn’t just one thing.
I’ve lived through happy times and difficult times. I’ve experienced motherhood, family, love, friendship, laughter, loss and everything in between.
All of those experiences have become part of my story.
They’ve helped shape me and make me the person I am today.
And when ChatGPT explained its reasoning that way, I could see exactly what it meant.
My side of the story
I didn’t even know this was a Gaither song!
That immediately made me think about my best friend Debbie and her mom, Ruby.
Ruby always played the Gaithers in her home, and I worked for her for a little while in her daycare. Ruby was buried not too long ago, so that connection made this song feel even more personal.
But then I thought about what “Because He Lives” actually means to me.
I’ve lived a happy life.
I’ve had wonderful years with Suzanne.
I’ve had wonderful years with Charlie.
I’ve known motherhood, family, friendship, love and laughter.
But I’ve also lived through the hardest loss of my life when Suzanne passed away.
And because He lives, I got through it.
Without Him, I wouldn’t be who I am today.
The Lord God is my Savior and my best friend, along with the people I love most.
So after listening and thinking about ChatGPT’s reasoning, I have to say:
ChatGPT got this one right.
And honestly, there’s something pretty powerful about that.
What do you think?
If you had to choose one gospel song to describe my life, would you choose “Because He Lives”?
Or would you choose something completely different?
Tell me your song and, more importantly, tell me why you chose it.
Suzanne — “Precious Memories”
ChatGPT chose “Precious Memories” for Suzanne.
Why ChatGPT chose it
ChatGPT said Suzanne’s life was a journey that was far too short, but the love and memories she left behind are worth everything.
My side of the story
That part is absolutely true.
Suzanne’s life was short.
But when I think about Suzanne, I don’t only think about the fact that she died at 16.
I think about the life she lived.
I think about the people she loved.
I think about the things she loved.
I think about the music.
I think about all the little moments that became memories.
And those memories are precious.
But there is another part of Suzanne’s musical story that I think is important.
Her best friend Brandon was called home just two weeks before Suzanne.
Angie was one of Suzanne’s teachers at Hopewell Middle School.
And the song connected to her son was “The Dance.”
So yes, I can understand why ChatGPT chose “Precious Memories.”
But when I think about Suzanne, I also think about the songs she actually loved.
And that’s where things get complicated.
Because sometimes the song that best represents someone’s life isn’t necessarily the song that best represents the person.
My Suzanne song
When I think of the song Suzanne loved more than anything, I think of “Cowboy Take Me Away.”
Does that song necessarily describe Suzanne’s life?
Not really.
But it was her song.
And that’s different.
Another song that means everything to me is “Butterfly Kisses.”
That was the last song I ever sang to Suzanne when she was 16.
And at her funeral, we played “The Perfect Fan,” which my nephew picked.
So when it comes to Suzanne, there isn’t just one song.
There are layers of songs and memories.
And maybe that’s exactly why “Precious Memories” works.
What do you think?
If you knew Suzanne, what song would you choose for her?
Would you choose one that describes her?
One that she loved?
Or one that reminds you of her?
Tell me in the comments.
Gerald — “I’ll Fly Away”
ChatGPT chose “I’ll Fly Away” for Gerald.
Why ChatGPT chose it
The song represents leaving this life behind and moving toward something beyond this world.
My side of the story
I understood why ChatGPT chose it.
But I immediately had a question:
Which version?
The version ChatGPT gave me was the Johnny Cash version.
And I don’t think Johnny Cash is the version I remember.
I’ve heard “I’ll Fly Away” at several of my family members’ funerals, but Johnny Cash wasn’t the person I remember singing it.
I haven’t been able to identify the version I remember yet.
So for now, we’re sticking with Johnny Cash.
And honestly, there is another reason the choice works for Gerald.
My dad loved Johnny Cash.
My mom loved Johnny Cash.
They’re both gone now.
So I can definitely see Gerald connecting with “I’ll Fly Away.”
Do I agree?
Yes.
I just don’t think Johnny Cash is the version I remember.
And now I’m curious:
What version do you remember?
Tell me in the comments because maybe somebody reading this will finally identify the version I’ve been trying to remember!
Debbie — “I Need Thee Every Hour”
ChatGPT chose “I Need Thee Every Hour” for Debbie.
Why ChatGPT chose it
The song is about needing God constantly—not just sometimes, but every hour.
My side of the story
And when I heard that explanation, I immediately thought:
Yep.
That’s Debbie.
She has told me before that we do need Him every hour.
I had never heard the singer ChatGPT chose, though.
And honestly, I’m excited about that.
I’m going to explore some of her other music because I want to know what else she sings.
It even made me wonder whether Debbie might already know her.
She may have heard her at church.
She may know music that I’ve never heard.
That’s one of the fun parts of this whole experiment.
Do I agree?
Yes.
I can see this one fitting Debbie.
What do you think?
If you know Debbie, what gospel song would you choose for her?
And if you recognize the singer ChatGPT chose, tell me that, too!
Debbie — “His Eye Is on the Sparrow”
ChatGPT also chose “His Eye Is on the Sparrow” for Debbie.
And this one was a little different.
My side of the story
At first, this song reminded me more of an opera song.
And I wasn’t sure it fit Debbie.
I’m going to have to sit down and listen to the entire song because sometimes my first reaction isn’t necessarily my final reaction.
I had never heard this singer before either.
So I’m curious to explore more of her music.
Right now, I’m still sitting here shaking my head a little.
But that’s okay.
ChatGPT had its reasons, and I have mine.
And that’s the whole point of this experiment.
I’m not required to agree with every choice.
Do I agree?
I’m undecided.
Maybe I’ll listen again and completely change my mind.
That’s happened before.
What do you think?
Does “His Eye Is on the Sparrow” sound like Debbie to you?
Or would you choose another song?
Tell me what you think.
Bear Bear — “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God”
ChatGPT chose “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” for Bear Bear.
Why ChatGPT chose it
ChatGPT connected Bear Bear with the idea of a fortress—a strong protector who watches over the people inside.
And anyone who knows Bear Bear knows he takes being our protector seriously.
My side of the story
First of all:
That song hurt my ears.
I’m just being honest.
But then I started paying attention to the words.
And that’s when I began thinking about the choice differently.
There are words like “bulwark” that made me stop and think.
I understand the idea.
A fortress protects.
Bear Bear protects.
But I still found myself asking:
How exactly does this tie into Bear Bear?
So this is one I’m going to have to discuss with Charlie.
Maybe Charlie will hear something I didn’t.
Do I agree?
I’m not sure yet.
I understand ChatGPT’s reasoning, but I’m not ready to say it got Bear Bear exactly right.
And that’s okay.
What do you think?
Does “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” fit Bear Bear?
Or is there another gospel song that better describes our family protector?
Tell me your choice and why.
Phoebe — “In the Garden”
ChatGPT chose “In the Garden” for Phoebe.
Why ChatGPT chose it
ChatGPT connected Phoebe with a garden, peaceful surroundings and the feeling of being close to God.
My side of the story
I can actually see this one.
Phoebe is quiet and deep.
She’s not the loud one.
She has her own personality and her own way of being.
And yes, Phoebe loves the garden.
So when ChatGPT put her in a garden, I could picture it.
That’s one of those choices where the more I thought about it, the more I understood.
Do I agree?
Yes.
I can see Phoebe in the garden.
What do you think?
If Phoebe were a gospel song, would you choose “In the Garden”?
Or is there another song that fits her better?
Tell me in the comments.
Sandy — “He Keeps Me Singing”
ChatGPT chose “He Keeps Me Singing” for Sandy.
Why ChatGPT chose it
ChatGPT said Sandy has a voice.
And that is absolutely true.
My side of the story
Sandy sings a lot.
Sometimes when she should be sleeping.
Sometimes when nobody asked her to sing.
But Sandy has a voice and she wants everybody to know it.
So yes, I can see the humor in ChatGPT choosing a song about singing for her.
Do I agree?
Yes.
Although I still think Sandy might have several songs fighting for the title!
What do you think?
What gospel song would you choose for Sandy?
And if you’ve ever heard her sing, you already know why I’m asking!
Gunner — “He Leadeth Me”
ChatGPT chose “He Leadeth Me” for Gunner.
And this one really made me stop and think.
Why ChatGPT chose it
Gunner is in a new house because we’re fostering him for a month.
He comes to us a couple of times a year, so I’m sure it can be confusing for him to suddenly find himself somewhere different.
My side of the story
I started thinking about what that must feel like for him.
New house.
Different surroundings.
Different routine.
He’s trying to figure out what is happening.
And in his own doggy way, he may be wondering:
Who is going to lead me?
Once I thought about it that way, I understood ChatGPT’s choice.
Someone has to guide Gunner.
Someone has to show him where he belongs.
Someone has to help him feel safe.
And for a dog who is only here temporarily, that idea really does fit.
Do I agree?
Yes.
The more I thought about the song, the more I understood why ChatGPT chose it.
What do you think?
Does “He Leadeth Me” fit Gunner?
Or would you give our temporary houseguest a completely different song?
Tell me what you would choose.
So, Did ChatGPT Get My Family Right?
That’s the question I’ve been asking myself throughout this entire experiment.
And the answer is:
Sometimes absolutely.
Sometimes I immediately understood the connection.
Sometimes I had to listen to the song.
Sometimes I had to think about it.
And sometimes I’m still not sure.
But that’s okay.
Because this wasn’t supposed to be a test where ChatGPT had to get every answer right.
It was supposed to make me think.
It made me remember Ruby.
It made me think about Grandma Dorie.
It made me think about my parents.
It made me remember Suzanne.
It made me think about the songs she loved and the songs we played at her funeral.
It made me think about Debbie.
It made me think about Bear Bear protecting the house.
It made me picture Phoebe in the garden.
It made me laugh about Sandy singing when she should be sleeping.
And it made me think about Gunner trying to figure out his temporary new home.
Some choices were perfect.
Some were questionable.
And some may grow on me after I listen to them again.
But that’s what makes this worth doing.
ChatGPT chose the songs.
I gave you my honest reaction.
Now I want to hear yours.
Your Turn
If you could choose one gospel song for one person in my family, who would you choose?
What song would you give them?
And most importantly:
Why?
Don’t just give me the song title.
Tell me the story behind your choice.
Because maybe your song will be one I have never heard.
Maybe you’ll remind me of something I’ve forgotten.
Or maybe you’ll choose a song that makes me say:
“Now THAT’S the one ChatGPT should have picked!”
Leave your song and your reason in the comments.
That’s what this series is really about—not just the songs ChatGPT chose, but the memories, stories and conversations those songs bring back.