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
Son, your work on earth is done.
Go to heaven a-shoutin'
Love for the Father and the Son.
Brothers of the Heart - Go Rest High On That Mountain (Live At Columbia, TN/2020)
Go Rest High On That Mountain Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
"Go Rest High On That Mountain," written by Vince Gill, Marty Stuart, and recorded notably by Gill, is a song that resonates deeply, often performed as a tribute and farewell. The version by Brothers of the Heart, captured live in Columbia, Tennessee, and released on May 29, 2020, brings a powerful vocal delivery to the song's poignant message. The lyrics speak directly to a soul departing earth, acknowledging a life marked by struggle and pain ("your life on earth was troubled," "know the pain"). It recognizes resilience ("weren't afraid to face the devil") and familiarity with hardship ("no stranger to the rain").
The central message is a spiritual transition and a release from earthly toil. The recurring lines "Go rest high on that mountain," "Son, your work on earth is done," signify the completion of a journey and the attainment of peace. The destination is heavenly, depicted as "Go to heaven a-shoutin' Love for the Father and the Son," portraying an immediate embrace of divine presence upon arrival. This movement from a troubled earthly existence to a restful, joyful spiritual state forms the core narrative of the song.
The emotional impact of loss is conveyed through the line "Oh, how we cried the day you left us," reflecting the grief experienced by those left behind. Yet, this sadness is tempered by a hopeful vision of the departed soul's reception in the afterlife, expressing a desire to witness the joy of angels hearing their "sweet voice sing." This blends the human experience of mourning with a faith-based perspective on the continuation of life in a spiritual realm, where the struggles of earth are left behind and replaced by heavenly harmony and praise.
The themes explored in the song connect with several scriptural concepts. The idea of resting after labor finds parallel in biblical references to eternal rest for the weary, such as in Revelation 14:13, which speaks of the blessed who die in the Lord, stating "that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them." The transition from earthly pain to heavenly peace aligns with promises of a new heaven and new earth where there will be no more death, sorrow, crying, or pain, as described in Revelation 21:4. The act of praising and loving God in heaven reflects the perpetual worship depicted in various Psalms and in the book of Revelation, where heavenly beings and redeemed souls offer continuous praise to the Father and the Son.
Ultimately, "Go Rest High On That Mountain" serves as an anthem of comfort and spiritual release. It acknowledges the difficulty of earthly life while offering the reassurance of peace and divine embrace after death. Through its simple yet profound language, the song provides solace to those grieving, framing departure not as an ending, but as a transition to a place of ultimate rest and joyous communion, a sentiment powerfully conveyed in performances like that by Brothers of the Heart.
