About The Song
In 1996 Sammy Kershaw released the album *Politics, Religion and Her* and led with a witty, radio-friendly single that captured his knack for blending traditional country humor with modern relatability. The title track, written by Chris Waters and Rick Bowles, became one of the album’s charting singles and offered listeners a lighthearted but pointed take on the conversational landmines that can derail even the best intentions.
The lyrics are built around the classic advice that there are three topics best left alone in polite company or, more specifically, when talking to a woman you care about: politics, religion, and “her” — meaning an ex-lover. Kershaw delivers the words with his signature Louisiana warmth and a touch of playful exasperation, turning what could have been a lecture into a relatable story about trying (and sometimes failing) to keep the peace. The arrangement keeps things upbeat and accessible, letting the clever wordplay and conversational tone shine.
By the mid-1990s Kershaw had already established himself as one of country music’s most consistent traditional-leaning artists with a contemporary edge. His previous albums had produced multiple top-ten hits and earned him a reputation for honest, rootsy songwriting that still felt fresh on country radio. *Politics, Religion and Her* continued that successful formula while allowing room for more humorous and socially observant material. The title track fit naturally into that mix — a song that rewarded listeners who appreciated clever storytelling over high-drama ballads.
The song also reflected a broader tradition in country music of using humor to address the everyday awkwardness of human interaction. While many artists of the era leaned into either high-energy party anthems or emotional heartbreak, Kershaw often found middle ground with tracks that felt like conversations you might overhear at a backyard barbecue. “Politics, Religion and Her” captured that spirit perfectly, offering a knowing wink to anyone who had ever steered a conversation away from dangerous territory.
What has kept the track resonant is how timeless its core message remains. The idea that some subjects are best avoided if you want to keep the peace is as relevant today as it was in 1996 — and Kershaw’s light touch makes the advice feel friendly rather than preachy. The song doesn’t claim to have all the answers. It simply observes that sometimes the smartest move is knowing when to change the subject and enjoy the moment instead.
Decades later “Politics, Religion and Her” remains one of the most charming and quotable entries in Kershaw’s catalog. It doesn’t demand attention the way some of his bigger hits do, but it rewards repeated listening with its steady wit and its clear-eyed understanding of how easily good intentions can go sideways when the wrong topic comes up. In a career built on blending classic country values with contemporary accessibility, this track stands as a joyful reminder that sometimes the best songs are the ones that make you smile, nod, and think twice before bringing up politics, religion, or “her” at the dinner table.
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Lyric
Hey ole buddy, how you been
Not much has changed here on my end
No I don’t think she’s comin’ back
We better not get into that
Let’s talk about baseball
Talk a little small talk
There’s gotta be a good joke
That you’ve heard
Let’s talk about NASCARs
Old Hollywood movie stars
Let’s talk about anything
Anything in this world
But politics, religion and her
Politics can start a fight
Religion’s hard to know who’s right
And one more topic I won’t touch
That one’s her — it hurts too much
Let’s talk about baseball
Talk a little small talk
There’s gotta be a good joke
That you’ve heard
Let’s talk about NASCARs
Old Hollywood movie stars
Let’s talk about anything
Anything in this world
But politics, religion and her
Let’s talk about NASCARs
Old Hollywood movie stars
Let’s talk about anything
Anything in this world
But politics, religion and her
But politics, religion and her