Growing up, I often noticed makeshift memorials—crosses adorned with flowers and personal mementos—dotting the sides of highways. Each represented a life lost, a story abruptly ended. These somber markers always made me ponder the narratives behind them. Randy Travis’s “Three Wooden Crosses” encapsulates such stories, weaving a tale that resonates deeply with those familiar with these roadside memorials.
About The Composition
- Title: Three Wooden Crosses
- Composer: Written by Kim Williams and Doug Johnson
- Premiere Date: Released on November 25, 2002
- Album: Rise and Shine
- Genre: Country gospel
Background
“Three Wooden Crosses” tells the story of four individuals—a farmer, a teacher, a preacher, and a prostitute—traveling together on a bus bound for Mexico. Tragically, the bus is involved in an accident, resulting in the deaths of three of the passengers. The narrative delves into the legacies each leaves behind and culminates in a poignant twist, revealing the profound impact of seemingly chance encounters. The song achieved significant acclaim, becoming Randy Travis’s 16th Number One single and earning the Country Music Association’s Song of the Year award in 2003.
Musical Style
Musically, the song is characterized by its traditional country instrumentation, featuring acoustic guitars, subtle percussion, and Travis’s warm baritone voice. The arrangement is understated, allowing the narrative to take center stage. The melody complements the storytelling, with a chorus that reinforces the song’s central theme.
Lyrics
The lyrics of “Three Wooden Crosses” explore themes of faith, redemption, and the unforeseen ways lives can intersect. The song emphasizes that it’s not material possessions that define one’s legacy but the impact one has on others. The narrative twist—that the preacher telling the story is the son of the prostitute who survived the crash—highlights the transformative power of compassion and faith.
Performance History
Upon its release, “Three Wooden Crosses” resonated deeply with audiences, topping the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart in 2003. It also crossed over to the Billboard Hot 100, reflecting its broad appeal. The song has since become a staple in Randy Travis’s performances and is celebrated for its storytelling and emotional depth.
Cultural Impact
Beyond its commercial success, the song has been lauded for its narrative depth and moral message. It has been covered by various artists and remains a poignant reminder of the unexpected ways lives can influence one another.
Legacy
“Three Wooden Crosses” stands as a testament to the power of storytelling in music. Its enduring popularity underscores its universal themes and the masterful way it conveys a complex narrative within a few minutes. The song continues to inspire listeners, prompting reflections on faith, legacy, and the interconnectedness of human experiences.
Conclusion
Reflecting on “Three Wooden Crosses,” I’m reminded of the profound narratives that can lie behind everyday sights, like roadside memorials. The song encourages us to consider the lasting impact of our actions and the unforeseen ways our lives intertwine with others. For those wishing to delve deeper into this poignant story, I recommend listening to Randy Travis’s heartfelt rendition
Video
Lyrics
A farmer and a teacher, a hooker and a preacher
Ridin’ on a midnight bus bound for Mexico
One’s headed for vacation, one for higher education
And two of them were searchin’ for lost souls
That driver never ever saw the stop sign
And eighteen wheelers can’t stop on a dime
There are three wooden crosses on the right side of the highway
Why there’s not four of them, Heaven only knows
I guess it’s not what you take when you leave this world behind you
It’s what you leave behind you when you go
That farmer left a harvest, a home and eighty acres
The faith and love for growin’ things in his young son’s heart
And that teacher left her wisdom in the minds of lots of children
Did her best to give ’em all a better start
And that preacher whispered, “Can’t you see the Promised Land?”
As he laid his blood-stained bible in that hooker’s hand
There are three wooden crosses on the right side of the highway
Why there’s not four of them, Heaven only knows
I guess it’s not what you take when you leave this world behind you
It’s what you leave behind you when you go
That’s the story that our preacher told last Sunday
As he held that blood-stained bible up
For all of us to see
He said “Bless the farmer, and the teacher, and the preacher
Who gave this Bible to my mama
Who read it to me”
There are three wooden crosses on the right side of the highway
Why there’s not four of them, now I guess we know
It’s not what you take when you leave this world behind you
It’s what you leave behind you when you go
There are three wooden crosses on the right side of the highway