Well let me tell you what the Bible says
In first Thessalonians it is read
The 16th verse in chapter four
Now listen friend, let me tell you more
It says the Lord himself is gonna shout
And Gabriel will bring his trumpet out
He's gonna blow it loud from the Easter sky
And then the Saints and Christ shall rise
They'll be dancing on the clouds
They're gonna go first, to show us how
I'm talkin' about the child that's left behind
It will only be for a moment's time, then
Get up out of that ground
(Get up out of that ground)
Get up out of that ground
(Get up out of that ground)
Get up out of that ground
(Get up out of that ground)
Get up out of that ground
(Get up out of that ground)
Oh child it's time to go home
Meanwhile back in the gospel way
Servin' Jesus day by day
Sometimes I drift and dream at night
The the heavenly world, such a precious sight
I wonder how long will it take
'Til Jesus steps out from those gates
And says, "Come on, now's the time
Friend don't you get left behind"
Get up out of that ground
(Get up out of that ground)
Get up out of that ground
(Get up out of that ground)
Get up out of that ground
(Get up out of that ground)
Get up out of that ground
(Get up out of that ground)
Oh child it's time to go home
Get up out of that ground
(Get up out of that ground)
Get up out of that ground
(Get up out of that ground)
Get up out of that ground
(Get up out of that ground)
Get up out of that ground
(Get up out of that ground)
Oh child it's time to go home
Go home
It's Time to Go Home
It's Time to Go Home Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Marty Stuart's "It's Time to Go Home" is a powerful and direct musical interpretation of specific eschatological beliefs found within Christianity, particularly concerning the Second Coming of Jesus Christ and the rapture of believers. The song immediately grounds itself in scripture, explicitly referencing the Bible and zeroing in on First Thessalonians chapter four, specifically verse sixteen. This sets a clear foundation for the lyrical narrative that follows, indicating the song's purpose is to convey a message of biblical prophecy and spiritual readiness.
The lyrics then proceed to paint a vivid picture based on the referenced scripture. They describe the Lord's descent with a shout, the sound of a trumpet heralded by Gabriel, and the subsequent resurrection and ascension of the saints who have passed away ("the Saints and Christ shall rise"). This aligns closely with the passage in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, which speaks of the Lord descending from heaven, a shout, the voice of an archangel, and the trumpet of God, followed by the dead in Christ rising first. The song adds the imagery of the resurrected "dancing on the clouds," emphasizing the joy and triumph associated with this event.
Following the description of the resurrected saints, the song addresses "the child that's left behind," clarifying that this separation is only temporary, "for a moment's time." This leads into the recurring, urgent refrain: "Get up out of that ground... Oh child it's time to go home." This refrain serves as both a call to the deceased to rise and an exhortation to the living believer to prepare for the moment of ascension, reinforcing the idea that the earth is not the ultimate home. The repetition emphasizes the finality and inevitability of this divine summoning.
The song shifts slightly to reflect on the daily life of a believer, "Servin' Jesus day by day," while still holding the anticipation of the future event. The lyrics touch upon the internal longing and hope for the heavenly realm ("such a precious sight"), expressed through dreaming at night. This bridges the gap between the grand prophetic vision and the personal, ongoing spiritual journey. The question, "I wonder how long will it take," highlights the human desire for the fulfillment of prophecy, while the imagined call from Jesus – "Come on, now's the time, Friend don't you get left behind" – underscores the theme of urgency and the importance of remaining faithful and prepared. The song, through its straightforward language and repetitive structure, aims to inspire hope, instill a sense of urgency, and offer comfort to those who believe in the promise of return and ultimate redemption.
