Growing up, I often sat on my grandfather’s porch, listening intently as he recounted tales of his youth—stories of resilience, adventure, and a world that seemed so distant yet vividly alive through his words. These cherished moments came flooding back to me the first time I heard Randy Travis’s “He Walked on Water,” a song that beautifully encapsulates the profound admiration a young person can hold for an elder.
About The Composition
- Title: He Walked on Water
- Composer: Allen Shamblin
- Premiere Date: April 26, 1990
- Album: No Holdin’ Back
- Genre: Country
Background
“He Walked on Water” is a poignant ballad that delves into the narrator’s childhood memories of his great-grandfather, a former cowboy whom he idolized. The song was penned by Nashville songwriter Allen Shamblin, drawing inspiration from his own maternal great-grandfather, “Poppy” Fugate, who shared captivating stories of his cowboy days in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. When Randy Travis encountered the song, it resonated deeply with him, reminding him of his own grandfather, which led to his decision to record it.
Upon its release as the third single from the album “No Holdin’ Back,” the song achieved significant success, peaking at number 2 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart and reaching number 1 on Canada’s RPM country chart.
Musical Style
Set in the key of D major with a 4/4 time signature and a moderate tempo of approximately 92 beats per minute, “He Walked on Water” follows a chord progression of D-G-D-A-D-G-D-A-D. The arrangement is characterized by its simplicity, allowing the heartfelt lyrics and Travis’s emotive delivery to take center stage. The instrumentation complements the narrative, with gentle guitar strums and subtle harmonica accents that evoke a sense of nostalgia and warmth.
Lyrics
The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the narrator’s reverence for his great-grandfather, depicting scenes of shared moments and the child’s perception of the elder as almost superhuman. Lines like “He said he was a cowboy when he was young / He could handle a rope and he was good with a gun” highlight the larger-than-life image the great-grandfather held in the eyes of the young narrator. The chorus reflects the child’s innocent belief in his great-grandfather’s infallibility, singing, “If the story’s told, only heaven knows / But his hat seemed to me like an old halo.” The song masterfully captures the universal theme of idolizing our elders during childhood.
Performance History
The accompanying music video features Travis singing on the front porch of a house, visually reinforcing the song’s themes of family and reminiscence. The video was well-received, earning a nomination for Video of the Year at the 1991 TNN Music City News Country Awards.
Cultural Impact
“He Walked on Water” has left a lasting imprint on country music, often cited as one of Randy Travis’s most memorable songs. Its relatable narrative has led many listeners to reflect on their own familial relationships, and it has been featured in various media celebrating family bonds and nostalgia. In 2012, Travis re-recorded the song as a duet with Kenny Chesney for the compilation album “Anniversary Celebration,” introducing the classic to a new generation of listeners.
Legacy
Decades after its release, “He Walked on Water” continues to resonate with audiences, serving as a timeless reminder of the deep connections between generations. Its heartfelt storytelling and simple yet evocative melody ensure its place as a cherished piece in the country music canon.
Conclusion
Reflecting on “He Walked on Water,” I’m reminded of the universal experience of looking up to our elders, cherishing their stories, and the profound impact they have on our lives. I encourage you to listen to this touching ballad and let it inspire reflections on your own family bonds. For a heartfelt rendition, you might enjoy the original recording by Randy Travis
Video
Lyrics
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 was 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 ’63
And I loved him and he loved me
And Lord, I cried the day he died
‘Cause I thought that he walked on water
But if the story was 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
Yeah, I thought that he walked on water