“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”
Introduction
“Three Wooden Crosses,” performed by Randy Travis, is a song that resonates deeply with themes of faith, redemption, and life’s unexpected twists. Released in 2002, this touching narrative not only became a huge hit but also left an indelible mark on gospel and country music. It reminds us of the unpredictability of life and how each person, no matter their walk of life, can have an impact on others.
About the Composition
- Title: Three Wooden Crosses
- Composer: Kim Williams, Doug Johnson
- Premiere Date: November 2002
- Album: Rise and Shine
- Genre: Country, Gospel
Background
“Three Wooden Crosses” was released as the lead single from Randy Travis’s Rise and Shine album. Written by Kim Williams and Doug Johnson, the song tells the story of four travelers—a farmer, a teacher, a preacher, and a prostitute—on a bus trip. The narrative takes a tragic turn when a fatal accident leaves only one survivor. This survivor goes on to change lives, particularly that of the preacher’s son, creating a powerful message of faith and second chances. The song’s deep religious themes aligned with Travis’s turn towards gospel music at that time, and it quickly became his sixteenth number-one single on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.
Musical Style
The song showcases Randy Travis’s warm, baritone voice and is crafted in a traditional country style. It combines acoustic instrumentation with rich storytelling, allowing the emotional depth of the lyrics to take center stage. The music, while simple, perfectly complements the narrative, highlighting the sorrow and hope in the story. The production by Kyle Lehning is understated yet effective, letting Travis’s voice and the story shine.
Lyrics
The lyrics of “Three Wooden Crosses” reflect profound Christian themes of redemption and the mysterious ways in which God works. Each character represents different aspects of society, but the message revolves around the one survivor—a prostitute who inherits the preacher’s Bible and eventually raises her son to become a preacher himself. The song’s powerful twist at the end reveals the transformative power of faith and grace.
Performance History
Upon its release, “Three Wooden Crosses” enjoyed immense commercial success, becoming Travis’s first number-one hit in almost a decade. It also crossed over to the mainstream, peaking at number 31 on the Billboard Hot 100. Over the years, it has become one of his signature songs and a staple in his live performances.
Cultural Impact
The song’s impact extends beyond just country music. Its poignant message of faith and redemption has made it a favorite in Christian circles, earning Travis a Grammy Award nomination for Best Male Country Vocal Performance and the 2004 Dove Award for Country Song of the Year. It has been used in various religious and cultural contexts as an example of storytelling that bridges faith and everyday life.
Legacy
“Three Wooden Crosses” stands as one of Randy Travis’s most beloved songs. Its themes of faith, redemption, and life’s uncertainties continue to resonate with audiences, making it a timeless piece in both country and gospel music. The song’s message encourages listeners to reflect on their own lives and the legacies they leave behind.
Conclusion
“Three Wooden Crosses” is more than just a song—it’s a moving narrative about the power of faith, redemption, and the legacies we leave. If you haven’t experienced its magic yet, I highly recommend listening to Randy Travis’s heartfelt performance on his Rise and Shine album. It’s a song that will stay with you long after the final note.
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