Nelson began writing the song in 1957, while he enjoyed success as a disc jockey in KVAN, in Vancouver, Washington.

Fueled by the success of the record, Nelson moved to Nashville, Tennessee, where he enjoyed recognition for writing the song.

It became part of Nelson's live performance set, and he recorded it for the first time himself for his 1971 album Yesterday's Wine.

His inspiration for the song came from his grandmother, Nancy Elizabeth Smothers, who would sing "Rock of Ages" and read from the Bible after supper.

Nelson played the demo of the song that he had recorded on a reel-to-reel tape machine for Mae Boren Axton after interviewing her on the show.

[2] On his way to Houston, Nelson stopped by the Esquire Ballroom to sell his original songs to house band singer Larry Butler.

[5] Buskirk convinced singer Claude Gray to record a set of original songs by Nelson, including "Family Bible", "Night Life", "The Party's Over", and "Leave Alone".

[5] Produced by Bill Quinn, the song was recorded on December 18, 1959, at Gold Star Studios in Houston, Texas.