Bailey Strawn-Thompson is a 24-year-old Christian singer-songwriter whose sound blends folk, country, pop, and indie influences. She has released music through NRT Music and brings a refreshing authenticity to the faith-based music scene.
Bailey’s passion for Christian music was born out of a transformative encounter with God—a moment that gave her a clear sense of calling. She now uses her musical gifts to share her faith and uplift others. Her lyrics are deeply personal, often drawn from real-life experiences, and she unwaveringly relies on God to face life’s challenges. Her songs center on themes of perseverance, healing, and the empowering grace found through Christ.
Outside of music, Bailey cherishes time with her husband, family, and friends, and she finds great joy in life’s simple, meaningful moments. Her sincere lyrics and soothing melodies reflect a journey of faith and personal growth, resonating with listeners who appreciate an honest, heartfelt testimony.
If you’re a fan of singer-songwriters like Riley Clemmons, Hannah Kerr, or Leanna Crawford, Bailey’s music will likely resonate with you. Her grounded faith and humility enable her to forge deep, genuine connections with those around her. She hopes to touch more hearts with words of encouragement, especially for those who need it most.
Recently, I had the opportunity to talk with Bailey about her single, “Dirty Laundry.”
Could you please share the personal story behind this song?
I wrote this song as a playful, groovy declaration about how I can’t be judged for what God has already forgiven me. We all have dirty laundry and chapters in our stories that we don’t want to read aloud. A quote inspired the story of the song I saw online: “You’re gossiping about my past while I’m praying for your future.” That struck a chord with me.
I’ve often been judged for my past, and I try to look at others in the present and pray for their renewal and futures. As I’ve grown closer to Christ, I've come to realize how people often don’t hold space for who we are now, compared to who we used to be. It seems to me that, due to my past as a sheltered church kid, when I first experienced freedom, I became involved in partying, believing I was on a path to becoming a secular singer and dancer. I made mistakes, as we all do. The expression, “bless your heart,” used sarcastically, is something I’ve experienced, especially being from the South.
Which Bible verses connect to the message of the song?
Psalm 19:14 (NKJV): "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer."
John 8:10-12(NKJV): “When Jesus had raised Himself and saw no one but the woman, He said to her, ‘Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?’ She said, ‘No one, Lord.’ And Jesus said to her, ‘Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.’ Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness but have the light of life.”
John 8:36 (NIV): "So, if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed."
Matthew 15:18(NKJV): "But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man."
James 3:9-10(NKJV): "With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be."
1 John 3:16 (NIV): “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down His life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.”
1 John 4:21 (NIV): “And He has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.”
Romans 12:2 (VOICE): "Do not allow this world to mold you in its own image. Instead, be transformed from the inside out by renewing your mind. As a result, you will be able to discern what God wills and whatever God finds good, pleasing, and complete."
What is the takeaway message?
This song is about not judging others for their past and instead extending grace, just as Jesus does. It emphasizes humility and forgiveness, mirroring how Jesus treats us. I’ve experienced judgment from others for the person I once was, rather than who I am today. Instead of rejoicing with me for finding Christ and becoming a different person, they focus on my past mistakes.
The Pharisees excelled at telling others about the Law, but when it came to loving people, they fell short. The Pharisaical spirit is still alive today, where people focus more on being right than on the person in front of them. The power of testimony can resonate with someone in ways you don’t always realize. I’m truly inspired to hear how this song has motivated you and how you’ve coped with bullying, Kevin.
Lyrics
I see the condemnation in your eyes I watch as you overanalyze Give your best “bless your heart” smile A Pharisee in disguise
You gossip about my past I pray for your renewal You prey on my downfall I’m praying for your future
Got a plank in your eye But you’re trying to taunt me Jesus didn’t die, so I would let my past haunt me Not a single one of us has any room to be haughty Leave the judgin’ to God, we all got dirty laundry
Too busy being grateful to notice The sins of my neighbor Gratitude’s my only focus ‘Cause I’m forgiven by my Savior
Whoever’s focused on their future Ain’t worried about your past And if they got time to judge They ain’t going nowhere fast But did you hear what they said about you Yes, I did, and I laughed
Got a plank in your eye But you’re trying to taunt me Jesus didn’t die, so I would let my past haunt me Not a single one of us has any room to be haughty Leave the judgin’ to God, we all got dirty laundry
If you’re without sin, please cast the first stone But I gotta feeling you’ll be throwing them alone If they hold you to your past, they’re still living in theirs And if they care so much, they should try and say a prayer
Got a plank in your eye But you’re trying to taunt me Jesus didn’t die, so I would let my past haunt me Not a single one of us has any room to be haughty Leave the judgin’ to God, we all got dirty laundry
Closing Thoughts
As the hymn goes, "They'll know we are Christians by our love." The message behind “Dirty Laundry” tells the story of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Although we are all guilty and deserve judgment, the blood of our sinless Savior offers a chance to return to innocence, reborn and perfect like a child. This song powerfully expresses what it means to accept that God never leaves or forsakes us as His followers. He is all we need.
“Dirty Laundry” highlights the power of words and the necessity to "tame our tongues" from James 3. The tongue can be used for both virtue and vice, utilizing the same mouth for these opposing purposes. James echoes Jesus' emphasis on the vital importance of choosing our words wisely in daily life.
However, James's primary focus in the passage is more negative: warning that judgment is real and that we all stumble, urging us to repent of our impure speech humbly. He then emphasizes the potential for evil rather than the potential for good that one's tongue holds.
The gospel is not only about the forgiveness of sins but also a new quality of life that overcomes the power of sin. In the Gospel of John 8:10-12, Jesus says to the woman caught in sin, "Neither do I condemn you. Go, and from now on no longer sin." Once our identity is grounded in Christ, along with all that Jesus has accomplished and all that God says about us, everything else, such as our careers, becomes peripheral. The central truth is that God has called us by name and given us our identities in His family. "Who the son sets free is free indeed" is a Scripture about freedom and identity. You are a child of God, and that can never be threatened or taken from you. Jesus loves us so much that He came down and took our punishment so that we can be with Him forever.
You can rest upon the wise words in Romans 8:31: "If our God is for us, who can stand against us?" Nothing can separate us from His love. For the Son has risen, and sin and death are conquered.
Instead of dwelling on our struggles and feeling sorry for ourselves, we should focus on living each day with the knowledge that God has a plan in place for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose, as it says in Romans 8:28. Joy isn't merely a happy emotion; it also encompasses a deep peace and understanding, recognizing that we are loved without a shadow of a doubt. Only Jesus can provide us with our true identity, which Bailey captures in her lyrics: “Gratitude’s my only focus/‘Cause my Savior forgives me.”
Join in with Bailey as she sings: “Jesus didn’t die so I would let my past haunt me/Not a single one of us has any room to be haughty/Leave the judgin’ to God, we all got dirty laundry.” Amen to that.
NRT lead contributor Kevin Davis is a longtime enthusiast and devoted collector of Christian music. He believes that the message of Christian music has guided him to Christ. He resides in Pennsylvania with his wife and three daughters.
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