Lyrics
Verse 1
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
Chorus
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
Verse 2
Oh, how we cried the day you left us
We gathered round your grave to grieve
Wish I could see the angels' faces
When they hear your sweet voice sing
Chorus (Repeat)
Outro
Go to heaven a-shoutin'
Love for the Father and the Son
Video
Meaning & Inspiration
"Go Rest High on That Mountain" opens by acknowledging a troubled earthly life, naming struggle and facing "the devil" directly rather than offering only vague comfort. That honest acknowledgment of hardship frames the reassurance that follows as earned rather than dismissive of real pain.
Its chorus repeats a specific instruction, resting high on a mountain because earthly work is finished, paired with the image of arriving in heaven "a-shoutin'" rather than quietly. That celebratory arrival, joy rather than solemnity, treats death for a believer as transition into triumphant praise rather than only loss.
Rooted in country and bluegrass gospel funeral song tradition, the song functions as a farewell shaped by resurrection hope, its description of gathering around a grave to grieve set directly against the imagined joy of angels hearing a familiar voice sing again in heaven's presence.
Related Scripture
- Revelation 21:4 Describes an end to former troubles, echoed in the song's declaration that earthly work and struggle are finished.
- 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 Describes grieving with hope rather than despair for those who die in Christ, echoed in the song's combination of grief and confident celebration.