"That's the Way God Planned It" is a song by American musician
Billy Preston and the title track to his 1969
album of the same name. Issued as a single, the song was Preston's first release on
the Beatles'
Apple record label, following his guest role on the band's "
Get Back" single. The lyrics to "That's the Way God Planned It" partly reflect the long musical apprenticeship Preston had served since childhood, mentored by artists such as
Sam Cooke and
Ray Charles, while musically the track combines the
gospel tradition with
rock. Produced by
George Harrison in London, the recording also features contributions from
Eric Clapton,
Keith Richards,
Ginger Baker and
Doris Troy. Having been edited down to three minutes for its single release, the full version appeared on the album, as
"That's the Way God Planned It (Parts 1 & 2)".