Go Rest High On That Mountain

A song that has almost become a funeral and memorial service standard in the minds of many, Gill started writing 'Go Rest High On That Mountain' after the death of country singer Keith Whitley. Cynthia Clawson, Sonya Isaacs, Candy Christmas, Bonnie Keen, Tanya Goodman Sykes, Joy Gardner - Official Video for 'Go Rest High On That Mountain Live', av.

The musician and songwriter Vince Gill did the world a great service when he was moved to compose a song out of very personal circumstances of grief and loss. The resulting song tenderly addresses a subject that the modern world does all it can to avoid and ignore, yet affects us all – death.
Part of the power of connection in the song is that it addresses the deceased as 'you'. There are enough details to make it personal to the author, while still keeping intact a universal message sufficient to touch everyone who hears it.
There are two versions that mean a great deal to me, and I will share them with you in this little article of appreciation. One is from a familiar gospel source with female vocalists and instrumental backing, and the other is an all male a cappella group, so there is a nice contrast as well.

This version resonates with me personally because the Gaither's ministry in song really sustained me during the period of helping with the care for my dear mother up to her death in the summer of 2018, the day before my parents' 52nd wedding anniversary. Their ministry continued to provide much help over the following year as well.
Here is the link for the video… Bill & Gloria Gaither – Go Rest High On That Mountain [Live] – YouTube …and a picture.

Cynthia Clawson has a distinctive, rich, complex vocal timbre. She is very wise in how she uses her gift to great effect – nothing I have heard from her has been showy or extravagant, but always strikes as genuine and committed. She may not display a great vocal range, but she certainly displays true musicality. In this performance she acknowledges the excellent musicians featured in the instrumental interlude – I believe their names are Wanda Vick and Kevin Williams, and they certainly deserve a mention for their contribution.
Nothing much needs to be said, other than 'surely this is close to perfection?' The soaring back-up vocals in the final chorus bring the listener to the very gates of heaven while still down here. And then there is the wonderful hushed rendition from the gathered Gaither vocalists with the comforting sense of God's presence that makes all the difference when facing sorrow. One of the wonderful things about the Gaither 'Homecoming' series is the unashamed respect for the elderly and openness in sharing both the Christian hope and the real loss of much-loved singers and musicians from among their ranks over the years. It is indeed a needed and valued ministry, and I trust many will continue to be blessed by their legacy on video, which is still growing to this day.

Go Rest High On That Mountain Mp3

It is only over the past year, since the run up to Christmas 2019, that my appreciation of talented singers has expanded. So it seems only right to feature a group that has gone on to provide so much joy to many through their work in 2020, uploading videos of new songs every week or two through the ongoing virus situation.
Home Free is a group of five talented vocalists, including a beat-boxer, and all of them have a range of abilities that would be significant in their own right. However, it's the magic of what they achieve when combining their forces that draws me back time and again. I hope to feature them in these pieces from time to time, because they have a lot that is worth sharing, and perhaps we'll be able to get to know more about them individually as we go along. They cover a wide range of genres and are not specifically Christian, but when they share hymns and carols they do seem to do so reverently.
Here is their link and picture (2020 Christmas promotion)… Home Free – Go Rest High On That Mountain (Acapella Cover) // The Church Sessions – YouTube

Home Free have two versions of this song, and I prefer the 'Church sessions' recording to the official video. It has a naturalness and emotional edge to it which is captured beautifully.
In this article I will mention Rob Lundquist specifically, who takes the lead vocals in this song and is excellent here. The group is noted for its rich harmonies because of the vocal range from the highest of tenors to one of the deepest basses around. The arrangements of covers are always creative and yet sensitive to the purpose of the song, as evidenced in this example. In this case, the member who usually contributes with hugely talented beat-boxing contributes with excellent restrained singing so fitting to the context of the piece. A verse of 'Amazing Grace' from the bass is an excellent addition for contrast before the final reprise of the chorus.
Vince Gill wrote the song from a place of personal assurance of heaven through faith in the Lord Jesus as Saviour. The Lord Jesus is the only One to have gone into death and defeated it by rising again, not for Himself alone, but for all who trust Him. It is my prayer that, as people are rightly touched by this beautiful song, will be brought into personal relationship with Christ and so have the fear of death overtaken by victory and rejoicing.

Go Rest High Lyrics

Go Rest High On That Mountain Video