"God Gave Me You" is a song written and originally recorded by American contemporary Christian music singer Dave Barnes. It was released in January 2010 as the lead single from the album, What We Want, What We Get. History Barnes wrote the song after the title came to him while he was walking through London, England. He told Country Weekly that "the lyrics just flowed together with the melody" when he wrote it. Barnes also said that he was inspired by his wife, Annie, who supported him "through all the ups and downs of an artist's career." After releasing it, he said that he received mail from fans who said that the song's message "saved marriages or became a theme for a couple's relationship." Music video Barnes' version features a music video directed by Joey Boukadakis. Chart positions Blake Shelton version In 2011, American country music singer Blake Shelton recorded the song on his 2011 album Red River Blue. His rendition was released in July 2011 as the album's second single. Shelton heard Barnes' version of the song on a contemporary Christian station, and said that it had inspired him to propose to then-girlfriend Miranda Lambert (now ex-wife); the music video included footage from Lambert the night before their wedding. On November 30, the song was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Country Song. Critical reception Jessica Phillips of Country Weekly called the song "the romantic zenith of the album". Rolling Stone reviewer Will Hermes said that it was a "spirited cover" that "makes the most of its big, sculpted hooks". Jonathan Keefe of Slant Magazine was less favorable, saying in his review of the album, "His weakness for overwrought, schmaltzy pop ballads rears its head on second single 'God Gave Me You,' which sounds like something Bryan Adams or Foreigner would have recorded 20 years ago." Similarly, Melissa Mairz of Entertainment Weekly thought that it was a "schmaltzy power ballad". Engine 145 writer Karlie Justus gave it a thumbs-down, with her review saying that Shelton's "honest, vibrant vocal performance is nearly canceled out by a tinny instrumental mix of anonymous background vocals and a looping drum beat". Music video The music video was directed by Trey Fanjoy and premiered in September 2011. It features Blake and his band performing the song in a dark tunnel, with a video screen playing in the background. It also shows 3 different