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Randy Travis – Three Wooden Crosses

“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”

Introduction

Growing up in a small town, I often heard stories that carried profound moral lessons. One such story is beautifully captured in Randy Travis’s song “Three Wooden Crosses.” This song resonates deeply with me, as it reminds me of the power of faith, redemption, and the unexpected ways in which life unfolds.

About The Composition

  • Title: Three Wooden Crosses
  • Composer: Doug Johnson and Kim Williams
  • Premiere Date: 2002
  • Album: Rise and Shine
  • Genre: Country, Gospel

Background: “Three Wooden Crosses” is a poignant country song released by Randy Travis in 2002. Written by Doug Johnson and Kim Williams, the song tells a touching story of four individuals—a farmer, a teacher, a preacher, and a hooker—whose lives intersect on a tragic bus ride. The inspiration for this song stems from the timeless themes of redemption and the unpredictable nature of divine grace. Initially, the song received widespread acclaim, earning Travis his sixteenth number-one hit and winning multiple awards, including the CMA Song of the Year in 2003.

Musical Style

The musical style of “Three Wooden Crosses” is characterized by its simple yet evocative country arrangement. The song features traditional country instruments like the acoustic guitar, fiddle, and pedal steel guitar. Its structure is straightforward, allowing the storytelling lyrics to take center stage. The gentle, rolling melody and Randy Travis’s deep, resonant voice create an atmosphere of reflection and emotional depth, enhancing the song’s overall impact.

Lyrics Analysis

The lyrics of “Three Wooden Crosses” are rich with narrative and symbolism. The song’s themes revolve around faith, redemption, and the enduring legacy of good deeds. The story unfolds with the bus accident, but the heart of the song lies in the preacher’s Bible, which passes on to the hooker, leading her son to become a preacher himself. This narrative twist highlights the unpredictable and transformative nature of faith and redemption.

Performance History

“Three Wooden Crosses” has been performed by Randy Travis at numerous venues and events, often eliciting strong emotional responses from audiences. Its success is reflected in its chart-topping performance and the accolades it has received. The song remains a staple in Travis’s repertoire and continues to be a favorite among fans of country and gospel music.

Cultural Impact

The cultural impact of “Three Wooden Crosses” extends beyond its initial release. The song has been covered by various artists and featured in numerous gospel and country music compilations. Its message of hope and redemption resonates with listeners from diverse backgrounds, making it a timeless piece that transcends musical genres.

Legacy

“Three Wooden Crosses” endures as a powerful testament to the themes of faith and redemption. Its relevance persists, touching new audiences and inspiring countless individuals. The song’s ability to convey profound moral lessons through a simple narrative ensures its place in the annals of country and gospel music.

Conclusion

Reflecting on “Three Wooden Crosses,” I am reminded of the profound impact a single act of kindness or faith can have on others. The song encourages us to look beyond the surface and recognize the potential for redemption in every life. I highly recommend listening to Randy Travis’s heartfelt performance, which beautifully captures the essence of this touching story. Explore it further through his album “Rise and Shine” and let the message of “Three Wooden Crosses” resonate in your heart.

Video

Lyrics

A farmer and a teacher, a hooker and a preacher
Ridin’ on a midnight bus bound for Mexico
One was headed for vacation, one for higher education
And two of them were searchin’ for lost souls
That driver never ever saw the stop sign
An’ 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 an’ 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
An’ 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 a 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, an’ that preacher)
Who gave this Bible to my mamma
(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…

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