Go Rest High on That Mountain

After country music superstar Keith Whitley’s death in 1989, the song that would become “Go Rest High on That Mountain” was finally written by American artist Vince Gill.

A tribute to his brother, who died of a heart attack at 36 years old in 1993—was released 3 February 1995.

Gill wrote three different endings before deciding on the one used in the final version. According to Gill, this song was inspired by a dream about his late brother, and it was also performed at George Jones’ funeral.

In November 2016, Gill performed the song at the Grand Ole Opry House during a tribute to Joe Diffie. First he sang “You’ll Be Lonely Tonight”, which was co-written by Diffie; then he transitioned into his own hit single “Go Rest High on That Mountain”.

He told the audience that he had wanted Diffie to sing it with him onstage, but Diffie wasn’t able to make the trip. So, he brought out his phone with a recording of Diffie singing along—as if they were performing together!

As a member of the country-music band Pure Prairie League in the 1970s, Vince Gill gained recognition as a strong singer and songwriter. But after his departure from that group during its heyday, it took him years to emerge successfully on his own again.

Vince Gill was the voice of country music by which all others were judged. He could sing, and his gift for melody informed many popular songs like “I Can’t Stop Loving You”, “How Am I Gonna Keep from Crying”, and most recently—with Alan Jackson covering it—”I’ve Never Seen A Man Cry”.

Vince Gill continues to tour and make music around the world. In fact, just this year, he won a Grammy for Best Country Album—which was for his album Up!

Lyrics

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.