About the song
“Three Wooden Crosses” by Randy Travis is a poignant country gospel song that tells a compelling story of faith, redemption, and the power of sacrifice. The song was written by Kim Williams and Doug Johnson, and it was released as a single from Travis’ 2002 album “Rise and Shine.”
The narrative of “Three Wooden Crosses” revolves around a fateful bus crash involving four passengers, including a preacher, a farmer, a teacher, and a prostitute. As the story unfolds, the song explores the impact of their lives and the legacy they leave behind. The central theme of the song is the idea that even in the face of tragedy, there is hope and redemption through faith.
Upon its release, “Three Wooden Crosses” quickly became a commercial success, reaching the number one spot on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. The song’s heartfelt lyrics and Travis’ soulful delivery struck a chord with audiences, earning it widespread acclaim and recognition within the country music community.
Its powerful message and emotional resonance have solidified “Three Wooden Crosses” as one of Randy Travis’ signature songs. It has received numerous awards and accolades, including the Academy of Country Music Award for Song of the Year and the Country Music Association Award for Song of the Year.
In summary, “Three Wooden Crosses” is a moving country gospel song that exemplifies Randy Travis’ ability to convey profound themes through his music. Its universal message of faith and redemption continues to resonate with listeners, making it a timeless classic in the country music genre.
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