vince gill go rest high on that mountain lyrics meaning

Fan response over the years confirms the song’s poignant message continues providing comfort to those mourning the death of a loved one. Chart Peak Position US Hot Country Songs (Billboard) 1 US Billboard Hot 100 14 Canadian RPM Country Tracks 1īeyond the charts, the song clearly resonated with many listeners who found it spoke to the grief and loss they themselves had experienced. It reached #1 on the Billboard US Country charts in early 1995 and even crossed over to the mainstream, reaching #14 on the Hot 100 chart. The song won Gill two Grammy awards at the 1995 Grammy ceremony: Music critics appreciated the authenticity of Gill’s personal storytelling and the emotional eloquence of the lyrics and performance. “Go Rest High on That Mountain” was met with very positive critical praise upon its release in 1994. Even amidst intense grief, we can wish loved ones peaceful rest and take solace imagining them embarking on a comforting journey to a beautiful afterlife. Ultimately, the song conveys a message of finding hope after profound loss.

“Go to heaven a-shoutin'” – Bob had an outgoing, cheery personality.“Your work on earth is done” – Bob was only 38 when he passed away unexpectedly.

References to autumn – Bob died in October.

Some key details that relate to Bob Coen’s life include: The lyrics portray Bob Coen embarking on a journey to a heavenly resting place, an image that brought Gill comfort. He wanted to create something beautiful as a tribute to his brother’s life that would provide solace and a sense of healing. The next thing you know, my emotions were so stirred and I could picture my brother…in such a peaceful place that it brought a peace to me. Gill has said the song seemed to flow out naturally soon after he learned of his brother’s untimely passing: Vince Gill wrote “Go Rest High on That Mountain” in memory of his older half-brother Bob Coen, who died tragically at age 38 from injuries sustained in an auto accident in October 1992 near his home in Maine. There are exquisite harmonies on the chorus that complement Gill’s lead vocal. The production is stripped back, allowing the focus to remain on the personal storytelling in the lyrics. Acoustic guitar, piano, steel guitar, and fiddle provide an intimate, melancholy instrumental backdrop for Gill’s subdued and emotional vocals. Musically, “Go Rest High on That Mountain” has a simple folk or country ballad structure. Love for the Father and the Son Musical Style The chorus offers a message of finding peace and freedom from pain in the afterlife: The lyrics express wishing the departed person well as they make their journey “up to the mountain” to a calmer place where they can “rest forevermore.” There are references to the changing of seasons, representing the cycles of life, and encouragement for the deceased to “go rest high on that mountain” where troubles melt away with the setting sun. Gill begins singing solemnly about saying farewell to a loved one who has passed away. The song is a ballad that opens with the sounds of chirping birds and a peaceful acoustic guitar melody. It was written by Gill along with his frequent collaborator, songwriter Pete Wasner. “Go Rest High on That Mountain” was released in 1994 as the fifth single from Vince Gill’s album When Love Finds You.

Vince gill go rest high on that mountain lyrics meaning