“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”
Introduction
“Go Rest High On That Mountain” is more than a song—it’s an emotional journey through loss, love, and the peace that comes with saying a final goodbye. Vince Gill originally penned this tribute in the aftermath of two significant losses in his life: his brother Bob and fellow musician Keith Whitley. While he started writing it after Whitley’s passing in 1989, it wasn’t until years later, after his brother’s death, that he finished the song, bringing to life a poignant piece that strikes a chord with anyone who’s experienced the weight of saying goodbye.
In this live rendition, Vince is joined by the angelic voices of Alison Krauss and Ricky Skaggs, two legends in their own right, whose harmonies add a layer of raw, heart-wrenching emotion. Their voices blend seamlessly, wrapping around each lyric like a warm embrace, each note a reminder of the comfort we find in the memories of those we’ve loved. There’s an intimacy in this live version that only happens when artists genuinely connect with the music—and with each other.
Listening to it, you can feel the room holding its breath, captivated by the purity of their voices. It’s as if they’re reaching out to everyone who’s ever lost someone, offering a hand to hold. Gill’s voice is filled with such deep emotion, a voice that seems to break and mend with every line, capturing the essence of grief that only softens but never quite leaves us.
The song’s simplicity—acoustic guitar, gentle harmonies, and Gill’s quiet, understated delivery—gives it a timeless quality, something sacred and unshakable. The lyrics don’t need flashy arrangements or a grand orchestra to convey their weight; the message is simple and clear, “Go rest high on that mountain, son, your work on Earth is done.” It’s a lullaby for the soul, a way of saying that the ones we’ve lost are somewhere peaceful, waiting for us, watching over us.
Alison Krauss’s soft, ethereal voice brings a haunting beauty to the piece, while Ricky Skaggs’ harmony grounds it, creating a balance that feels like heaven and earth joining together. This performance is not just music; it’s a healing balm, a reminder that we’re not alone in our grief. It speaks to the resilience of the human spirit—the way we hold on to love even when it feels like it’s slipping through our fingers.
“Go Rest High On That Mountain” has become an anthem for so many who’ve struggled with loss. It’s often sung at memorials, a testament to its power to bring solace to those who need it most. This live performance captures the heart of that experience, reminding us that music has the ability to heal, to make us feel seen, and to let us know that even in our darkest moments, there’s a way forward.
Video
Lyrics
I know your life
On earth was troubled
And only you could know the pain
You weren’t afraid to face the devil
You were no stranger to the rain
Go rest high on that mountain
Son, your work on earth is done
Go to heaven a-shoutin’
Love for the Father and the Son
Oh, how we cried the day you left us
We gathered round your grave to grieve
I wish I could see the angels’ faces
When they hear your sweet voice sing
Go rest high on that mountain
‘Cause son your work on earth is done
Go to heaven a-shoutin’
Love for the Father and the Son
Go rest high on that mountain
‘Cause son your work on earth is done
Go to heaven a-shoutin’
Love for the Father and the Son
Go to heaven a-shoutin’
Love for the Father and the Son