He wore starched white shirts, buttoned at the neck
And he'd sit in the shade, and watch the chickens peck
And his teeth were gone, but what the heck
I thought, that he walked, on water
Said he was a cowboy, when he was young
He could handle a rope, and he was good with a gun
And my mama's daddy was his oldest son
And I thought, that he walked, on water
And if the story's told, only heaven knows
But his hat seemed to me, like an old halo
And though his wings, they were never seen
I thought, that he walked, on water
Well he tied a cord, to the end of a mop
And said "Son, here's a pony, keep her at a trot."
And I'd ride in circles, while he laughed a lot
Then I'd flop down, beside him
And he was ninety years old in sixty-three
And I loved him and he loved me
And Lord, I cried the day he died
'Cause I thought, that he walked, on water
And if the story's told, only heaven knows
But his hat seemed to me, like an old halo
And though his wings, they were never seen
I thought, that he walked, on water
I thought, that he walked, on water
He Walked On Water
He Walked On Water Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Randy Travis's song "He Walked On Water" is a deeply moving narrative told from the perspective of a grandchild remembering their beloved grandfather. The lyrics paint a portrait of a simple man – described with details like starched white shirts, missing teeth, and a quiet presence watching chickens peck. Yet, despite these ordinary characteristics, the child sees him through a lens of profound love and admiration, perceiving him as extraordinary, symbolized by the central phrase "I thought, that he walked, on water." This metaphor powerfully conveys the almost divine reverence a child can feel for an elder who represents security, wisdom, and unwavering affection.
The song delves into cherished memories, recounting tales the grandfather shared of his youth as a cowboy skillful with a rope and gun, and establishing the family link as "my mama's daddy." The narrative highlights the grandfather's playful nature and the special bond they shared, vividly recalled through the image of the grandfather tying a cord to a mop and creating an imaginary pony for the child to ride in circles. These simple moments of shared joy and laughter are foundational to the child's idealized view, demonstrating the depth of the connection and the impact of the grandfather's presence in the child's formative years.
Further emphasizing this perception, the lyrics employ imagery like the grandfather's hat seeming "like an old halo," and noting that while his wings "were never seen," the feeling of his almost saintly presence remained. This metaphorical language reinforces the theme of the child elevating the grandfather beyond mortal limitations. The song culminates with the acknowledgment of the grandfather's age – ninety years old in sixty-three – and the enduring love between them, leading to the heartfelt sorrow felt upon his death. The repetition of "Lord, I cried the day he died, 'Cause I thought, that he walked, on water" poignantly links the childhood perception of invincibility or extraordinary grace to the adult experience of grief, highlighting the lasting power of that initial awe and love.
The song's emotional impact is often enhanced by its accompanying music video. While the 2009-10-27 date typically marks its digital release or upload to platforms like Vevo, the video itself generally portrays scenes that align with the lyrical narrative. It visually captures the rural setting, depicts interactions between a young boy representing the grandchild and an older actor portraying the grandfather, often showing the simple activities described in the song, such as the mop-pony game. These visuals help to cement the song's themes of nostalgic memory, intergenerational love, and the idealized view a child holds, resonating deeply with viewers who have experienced similar cherished relationships. "He Walked On Water" remains a touching tribute to the profound influence a beloved grandparent can have, illustrating how in the eyes of a child, love can truly make someone seem capable of the miraculous.
