“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”
Introduction
This heartfelt song, written by Allen Shamblin and sung by Randy Travis, offers a tender reflection on the relationship between a boy and his great-grandfather. Drawing on personal memories, the song captures the awe and admiration many of us feel for our elders, particularly those from simpler, bygone eras.
About The Composition
- Title: He Walked On Water
- Composer: Allen Shamblin
- Premiere Date: April 26, 1990
- Album: No Holdin’ Back
- Genre: Country
Background
Inspired by Shamblin’s memories of his great-grandfather, the song was a touching ballad that resonated with Randy Travis because it reminded him of his own grandfather. The song’s nostalgic theme centers around a grandfather’s wisdom and the mystical reverence a child feels for his elders. It became a major hit, reaching #2 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and #1 on Canada’s RPM Country Tracks chart.
Musical Style
The song is composed in D major with a moderate tempo and a 4/4 time signature. Its simplicity in structure and instrumentation reflects the deep emotional themes of the lyrics, creating an intimate and poignant listening experience.
Lyrics/Libretto
The lyrics celebrate the relationship between the narrator and his great-grandfather, portraying the latter as a near-mythical figure in the eyes of a child. Lines like “He was ninety years old in sixty-three / And I loved him and he loved me” depict the narrator’s innocent adoration for the man, comparing his wisdom and calm to walking on water.
Performance History
The song was released in 1990 as part of No Holdin’ Back. Its accompanying music video, which features Travis on his front porch, added to the song’s appeal, earning it a nomination for Video of the Year at the 1991 TNN Music City News Country Awards.
Cultural Impact
“He Walked on Water” became a beloved classic for its universal theme of intergenerational admiration. It resonates deeply with listeners who recall their own family connections, and its timeless storytelling has kept it relevant in country music history.
Legacy
Even decades after its release, the song continues to be a favorite among Randy Travis fans. Its emotional depth and relatable themes have given it lasting significance, both as part of Travis’s discography and in the broader country music landscape.
Conclusion
“He Walked on Water” is a gentle, moving tribute to our elders and the reverence we often hold for them. If you haven’t heard it yet, I recommend listening to the original version by Randy Travis, or even the 2012 re-recording with Kenny Chesney, to experience its full emotional power.
Video
Lyrics
He wore starched white shirts buttoned at the neck
And he’d sit in the shade and watch the chickens peck
And his teeth were gone, but what the heck
I thought that he walked on water
Said he was a cowboy when he was young
He could handle a rope and he was good with a gun
And my mama’s daddy was his oldest son
And I thought that he walked on water
And if the story was told, only heaven knows
But his hat seemed to me like an old halo
And though his wings, they were never seen
I thought that he walked on water
Well, he tied a cord to the end of a mop
And said, “Son, here’s a pony, keep her at a trot”
And I’d ride in circles while he laughed a lot
Then I’d flop down beside him
And he was ninety years old in ’63
And I loved him and he loved me
And Lord, I cried the day he died
‘Cause I thought that he walked on water
But if the story was told, only heaven knows
But his hat seemed to me like an old halo
And though his wings, they were never seen
I thought that he walked on water
Yeah, I thought that he walked on water