Gabrielle Lovelace has released a full-band version of Rich Mullins’ “Screen Door.” The Old Bear Records singer-songwriter describes it as her first recorded cover.
Mullins first released the song on his 1987 album Pictures in the Sky. Its best-known line compares faith without works to a screen door on a submarine.
Lovelace Reworks a Rich Mullins Favorite
Lovelace produced the new recording with Anthony and Chris Hoisington of Brothers McClurg.
The arrangement replaces the original’s mostly a cappella sound with rhythm, blues and roots instrumentation.
“The core of the message is just as relevant as when it was written,” Lovelace said.
She pointed to James 2:26 as the song’s foundation: “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.”
Lovelace said Mullins expressed that idea with humor rather than turning it into a lecture.
A Personal Choice for Her First Cover
Lovelace first heard “Screen Door” through one of her mother’s favorite playlists.
That family connection helped make the song a deliberate choice for her first cover after years of releasing original material.
“I am a songwriter first and foremost and love creating original work, so it was a very intentional choice for this to be the first cover I’ve ever done,” Lovelace said.
The recording sessions also became a family affair.
Lovelace’s mother contributed finger snaps, while her father played Wurlitzer. The musicians also gathered around one microphone to stomp and clap together.
“I felt like a kid on a playground because we were having a blast, and it was such a full-circle moment,” Lovelace said.
She added that helping preserve Mullins’ musical legacy made the session even more meaningful.
A New Arrangement With the Same Playful Spirit
Mullins recorded “Screen Door” for his second album, Pictures in the Sky.
The song stood out for its unusual vocal arrangement, humor and direct connection between belief and action.
Lovelace keeps that playful character but does not try to copy the original.
Instead, the heavier groove reflects the folk, gospel, blues and singer-songwriter influences heard throughout her recent work.
“Screen Door” follows Lovelace’s 2026 singles “No Pay” and “You Can’t Put God in a Box.”
Her earlier Old Bear Records releases include “Bob Dylan Rhythm,” “It’s Gonna Be Yesterday,” “Somewhere Between” and “Let the Christmas Music Play.”
“Screen Door” is available now through Old Bear Records.