Vince Gill – “Go Rest High On That Mountain” Lyrics Meaning

Vince Gill’s “Go Rest High On That Mountain” is a heartfelt tribute, a comforting message of peace after suffering. It’s about the end of earthly troubles and the beginning of eternal peace. The song’s overarching theme is one of consolation, sending a message that the pain endured in life is over, and what remains is eternal rest and love.

Curious to understand the heartfelt echoes and soothing solace in Vince Gill’s “Go Rest High On That Mountain”? A story of love, loss, and eternal peace is waiting to be explored.


“Go Rest High On That Mountain” Lyrics Meaning

“Go Rest High On That Mountain” by Vince Gill is bathed in tones of solace and relief, depicting the end of suffering and the beginning of eternal peace. The lyrics, “I know your life / On earth was troubled / And only you could know the pain,” set the scene, acknowledging a life marked by hardships and challenges, where pain was a constant companion.

“You weren’t afraid to face the devil / You were no stranger to the rain,” These lines elaborate on the resilience and strength of the individual the song is about, highlighting their courage in facing life’s adversities and standing against the devil – possibly representing life’s darker moments or inner demons.

The chorus is a soothing whisper, “Go rest high on that mountain / Son your work on earth is done.” It’s a message of rest after toil, implying the earthly journey, filled with strife and pain, has concluded, leading to a place of rest and solace, high on a mountain, closer to the divine. It’s a reflection of the relief that comes with the end of suffering and the beginning of eternal peace.

The lament in the lyrics, “Oh, how we cried the day you left us / We gathered ’round your grave to grieve,” portrays the pain of loss and separation, depicting the shared sorrow of those left behind. However, this grief is intertwined with the hope and belief of a heavenly reunion, “Wish I could see the angels’ faces / When they hear your sweet voice sing.”

These contrasting emotions of grief and solace create a harmonious blend in the song, delivering a comforting message to those grieving, offering them a perspective of peace and eternal love, “Go to heaven a-shoutin’ / Love for the Father and the Son.”

The Story Behind “Go Rest High On That Mountain”

Vince started writing this song after the tragic passing of country music star Keith Whitley in 1989. However, the song wasn’t completed until 1993, after the death of Vince’s older brother, Bob, adding another layer of personal grief and reflection to the song.

The threads that weave this song together are the amalgamation of personal loss and the reflections on life, pain, and eventual peace. The melancholic yet soothing melody, coupled with the lyrics, portrays Vince’s emotional state, balancing between the pain of loss and the comfort found in the belief of eternal peace and reunion in the afterlife.

Through his soulful melody and heartfelt lyrics, Vince Gill brings forward a universal message of hope and consolation. It’s not just a song; it’s an empathetic embrace to anyone who has experienced loss, offering a perspective that transcends the earthly plane, providing a glimpse into the serene acceptance and peaceful rest that follows life’s tumultuous journey.

This song, laden with emotions and reflections, is a bridge between earthly pain and heavenly peace, resonating with countless individuals, making it a timeless piece that continues to offer solace and comfort to those in grief, helping them find peace in the belief of love eternal.