Introduction
Some songs have a way of leaving a mark on your heart, telling stories that resonate deeply with our shared human experiences. “Three Wooden Crosses” is one of those songs. Whether you’ve heard it on a road trip or during a quiet evening at home, it’s a song that makes you reflect on life’s mysteries. Released by Randy Travis, this country gospel tune is a powerful narrative about faith, fate, and the mysteries of life and death. Its gripping story makes you think about the twists and turns of life, and how sometimes, things happen for reasons we may never understand.
About The Composition
- Title: Three Wooden Crosses
- Composer: Kim Williams and Doug Johnson
- Premiere Date: November 25, 2002
- Album: Rise and Shine
- Genre: Country Gospel
Background
“Three Wooden Crosses” is one of Randy Travis’ most iconic songs. Co-written by Doug Johnson and Kim Williams, this song explores themes of redemption, faith, and the unforeseen ways life and death can intersect. Released as a single in 2002 from Travis’ album Rise and Shine, it was widely embraced by both country music and Christian music audiences. The song’s storytelling is masterful, following the lives of four individuals—each traveling the same path but destined for vastly different fates. It questions the idea of why some are taken while others remain, a concept often pondered but never fully answered. The song hit number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart, marking it as Randy Travis’ 16th career No. 1.
Musical Style
“Three Wooden Crosses” is musically simple yet emotionally compelling. Built around traditional country instrumentation—acoustic guitar, fiddle, and subtle percussion—it allows the listener to focus on the storytelling. Travis’ baritone voice is warm, soulful, and deeply evocative, creating a sense of intimacy. The song progresses gently, building emotion with each verse as the narrative unfolds. The use of a subtle, haunting melody mirrors the weighty themes of mortality and faith. The structure of the song, alternating between reflective verses and a repeating, poignant chorus, reinforces its introspective nature. It’s a perfect example of how country music can tell vivid, relatable stories through music.
Lyrics
The song’s lyrics tell the stories of four characters: a farmer, a teacher, a preacher, and a hooker, all traveling together in a bus when tragedy strikes. Of the four, only one survives the accident. The preacher leaves behind a Bible, which the hooker eventually passes on to her son, who grows up to become a preacher himself. The lyrics explore themes of life, faith, and the seemingly random nature of who survives and who doesn’t. Travis’ delivery adds depth to the song’s message, emphasizing the mysterious ways that life and faith can unfold. The repeated refrain—”It’s not what you take when you leave this world behind you; it’s what you leave behind you when you go”—captures the essence of the song: it’s the impact we leave on others that truly matters.
Performance History
“Three Wooden Crosses” was performed by Randy Travis during various live events, including the prestigious Country Music Awards (CMA). It quickly became a staple in his performances due to its profound narrative and deep emotional appeal. The song was well-received not only in the country music community but also within the Christian music sphere, further elevating its performance history. Its simplicity and depth made it a crowd favorite, and many other artists have since covered the song, showcasing its versatility and timelessness.
Cultural Impact
Beyond its success on the charts, “Three Wooden Crosses” has become a touchstone in country and gospel music. Its crossover appeal between secular and Christian audiences speaks to the song’s ability to resonate with listeners from all walks of life. The song’s message of redemption and the mysterious workings of fate have made it a popular choice for both church services and country music festivals. It’s also been used in various media as a reflection on life’s deeper questions, often playing during memorial services and significant life events.
Legacy
“Three Wooden Crosses” has become a modern country gospel classic. Its themes of faith, redemption, and life’s unexpected twists continue to touch audiences years after its release. Randy Travis’ soulful delivery combined with the song’s compelling narrative ensures its place in the country music canon. It remains a powerful reminder that life’s true value is found not in material possessions, but in the legacy we leave behind.
Conclusion
“Three Wooden Crosses” is more than just a song—it’s a story that makes you reflect on your own life, the decisions you make, and the impact you leave behind. Randy Travis’ heartfelt performance brings the story to life in a way that lingers long after the song ends. If you haven’t heard this song yet, take a moment to listen—it’s a reminder of the deeper meaning we can find in the simplest moments of life
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