“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”
Introduction
In the early 2000s, country music was evolving, yet Randy Travis remained a steadfast figure, bridging traditional sounds with contemporary themes. His 2002 release, “Three Wooden Crosses,” exemplifies this blend, offering a poignant narrative that resonates across generations.
About The Composition
- Title: Three Wooden Crosses
- Composer: Kim Williams and Doug Johnson
- Premiere Date: November 25, 2002
- Album: Rise and Shine
- Genre: Country Gospel
Background
“Three Wooden Crosses” tells the story of four individuals—a farmer, a teacher, a hooker, and a preacher—traveling together on a bus bound for Mexico. A tragic accident claims three of their lives, leaving behind three wooden crosses as memorials. The narrative unfolds to reveal that the surviving passenger, the hooker, receives a bloodstained Bible from the preacher, which she later uses to inspire her son to become a preacher himself. This twist underscores themes of redemption and the lasting impact of one’s actions. The song became Travis’s 16th Number One single and was honored as Song of the Year by the Country Music Association in 2003.
Musical Style
The song features a traditional country arrangement, with acoustic guitar and subtle steel guitar accents complementing Travis’s warm baritone. The straightforward instrumentation allows the storytelling to take center stage, enhancing the emotional weight of the lyrics.
Lyrics
The lyrics juxtapose the lives of the four characters, highlighting their distinct paths and the common thread of seeking purpose. The preacher’s act of giving his Bible to the hooker serves as a catalyst for transformation, illustrating the song’s central message: “It’s not what you take when you leave this world behind you; it’s what you leave behind you when you go.”
Performance History
Upon its release, “Three Wooden Crosses” received widespread acclaim, reaching Number One on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. It marked Travis’s return to the top of the charts after an eight-year hiatus. The song’s success extended beyond country music, earning a Dove Award from the Gospel Music Association in 2004.
Cultural Impact
The song’s narrative has made it a staple in both country and gospel music circles. Its themes of faith and redemption have led to its inclusion in various media and live performances, reinforcing its status as a modern classic.
Legacy
“Three Wooden Crosses” continues to be celebrated for its storytelling and moral message. It stands as a testament to Randy Travis’s ability to convey profound themes through simple yet powerful lyrics, maintaining its relevance in contemporary music discussions.
Conclusion
“Three Wooden Crosses” is a compelling narrative that challenges listeners to reflect on the legacies we leave behind. Its enduring appeal lies in its universal message and heartfelt delivery. For those seeking to experience this poignant story, Randy Travis’s live performance offers an authentic rendition that captures the song’s essence.
Video
Lyrics
A farmer and a teacher, a hooker and a preacher
Ridin’ on a midnight bus bound for Mexico
One’s headed for vacation, one for higher education
And two of them were searchin’ for lost souls
That driver never ever saw the stop sign
And eighteen wheelers can’t stop on a dime
There are three wooden crosses on the right side of the highway
Why there’s not four of them, Heaven only knows
I guess it’s not what you take when you leave this world behind you
It’s what you leave behind you when you go
That farmer left a harvest, a home and eighty acres
The faith and love for growin’ things in his young son’s heart
And that teacher left her wisdom in the minds of lots of children
Did her best to give ’em all a better start
And that preacher whispered, “Can’t you see the Promised Land?”
As he laid his blood-stained bible in that hooker’s hand
There are three wooden crosses on the right side of the highway
Why there’s not four of them, Heaven only knows
I guess it’s not what you take when you leave this world behind you
It’s what you leave behind you when you go
That’s the story that our preacher told last Sunday
As he held that blood-stained bible up
For all of us to see
He said “Bless the farmer, and the teacher, and the preacher
Who gave this Bible to my mama
Who read it to me”
There are three wooden crosses on the right side of the highway
Why there’s not four of them, now I guess we know
It’s not what you take when you leave this world behind you
It’s what you leave behind you when you go
There are three wooden crosses on the right side of the highway