Sing the wondrous love of Jesus
Sing his mercy and his grace
In the mansions bright and blessed
He'll prepare for us a place
When we all get to heaven
What a day of rejoicing that will be
When we all see Jesus
We'll sing and shout the victory
Onward to the prize before us
Soon his beauty we'll behold
Soon the pearly gates will open
We shall tread the streets of gold
When we all get to heaven
What a day of rejoicing that will be
When we all see Jesus
We'll sing and shout the victory
When we all see Jesus
We'll sing and shout the victory
When We All Get to Heaven
When We All Get to Heaven Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Alan Jackson's rendition of the classic hymn "When We All Get to Heaven" is a cornerstone of his acclaimed collection of gospel music. Released as part of his "Precious Memories Collection," this recording brings a familiar, comforting voice to a song cherished by many. Jackson's approach is typically sincere and understated, allowing the enduring message of the hymn to resonate clearly with listeners. The simple instrumentation and arrangement complement the straightforward declaration of faith contained within the lyrics.
The song itself expresses a deep anticipation for the Christian afterlife. It paints a vivid picture of the destination—heaven—as a place of "mansions bright and blessed," prepared by Jesus himself. The central theme revolves around the moment of arrival in heaven and the profound joy of finally seeing Jesus face-to-face. This vision of reunion with the divine is the source of the promised "day of rejoicing" and the declaration "we'll sing and shout the victory," emphasizing the triumphant nature of eternal life free from earthly struggles.
The video associated with the 2017 release serves as a visual complement to the song's devotional character. Typical visuals accompanying Jackson's gospel recordings from this period often feature straightforward performance footage, sometimes set in a church or simple studio environment, reflecting the song's focus on worship and spiritual contemplation rather than elaborate narrative. This visual style aligns with the hymn's humble yet profound message, keeping the focus squarely on the lyrics and the act of singing praise.
The imagery within the lyrics draws heavily from New Testament descriptions of heaven and the believer's future hope. The reference to "mansions bright and blessed" prepared by Jesus is found in John 14:2-3, where Jesus tells his disciples, "In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also." The anticipation of beholding Jesus's beauty connects to verses like 1 John 3:2, which states, "we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is." The description of heaven's infrastructure, "the pearly gates" and "the streets of gold," is derived directly from the Book of Revelation, specifically Revelation 21:21, which depicts the New Jerusalem with twelve gates made of single pearls and its street of pure gold.
Ultimately, "When We All Get to Heaven" performed by Alan Jackson is more than just a song; it is an expression of enduring Christian hope. It speaks to the promise of an eternal home free from suffering, filled with the presence of God, and marked by unending joy and triumph. Jackson's faithful rendition serves as a source of comfort and inspiration, reminding listeners of the heavenly destination that awaits believers and the glorious moment of seeing Jesus, the culmination of their faith journey.