Story Behind The Song 'Ain't No Grave"

Ain't No Grave (also known as Gonna Hold This Body Down) is a traditional American gospel song attributed to Claude Ely (1922–1978) of Virginia.

Claude Ely, a songwriter and preacher from Virginia, describes composing the song while sick with tuberculosis in 1934 when he was twelve years old. His family prayed for his health, and in response he spontaneously performed this song. Originally recorded by Bozie Sturdivant in July 1942 (and released in 1943 as "Ain't No Grave Can Hold My Body Down") in a slower, African American gospel style and in 1946-7 by Sister Rosetta Tharpe with barrelhouse piano;[1] the song in Ely's version was recorded (and copyrighted) in 1953, even though he wrote it as early as 1935.[2]

"Ain't No Grave" was initially released by Bethel Music on January 4, 2019, as one of four promotional singles from Victory, in the lead-up to the album's release which was slated for January 25, 2019.[4] Molly Skaggs shared the story behind the song,[5] saying:

"Ain't No Grave" is rooted in old-time Appalachian gospel music. It is a marriage of the old, with Brother Claude Ely's original chorus and the new, my personal testimony of overcoming fear and shame, woven into each verse. For me, this song is steeped in the reality of Jesus and what He has done for me and my community. This is an anthem for anyone who is ready to follow Jesus and walk out of the graves in their daily life. "Ain't No Grave" is a testimony of faith, a song for those who are ready to shake off the victim mentality and stand up in the truth of who they really are.[5]