True Grit is the 15th Coen brothers film scored by long-time collaborator Carter Burwell.

The Coens discussed the idea of using 19th-century church music, "something that was severe (sounding).

[2] Johnny Cash's rendition of "God's Gonna Cut You Down" was used in the theatrical trailer.

The 1888 hymn "Leaning on the Everlasting Arms" is used as Mattie Ross' theme, and about a quarter of the score is based on it.

Other hymns are also referenced in the score, including "What a Friend We Have in Jesus",[2] "Hold to God's Unchanging Hand",[3][4] and "The Glory-Land Way".