Celebrate the Heart of Country, Americana, and Roots Music!

Drop Us A Line, Y'all

Y'all interested in advertising, partnering up, contributing stories, joining our team, or just got a question? Well, don't be shy, drop us a line!

Follow Us

Traveling to Eternity at “Life’s Railway to Heaven”

Lifes Railway to Heaven
by
  • Arden is a Senior Country Music Journalist for Country Thang Daily, specializing in classic hits and contemporary chart-toppers.
  • Prior to joining Country Thang Daily, Arden wrote for Billboard and People magazine, covering country music legends and emerging artists.
  • Arden holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Tennessee, with a minor in Music Studies.

In life, usually, the best course for us to pursue is the one that is less traveled. Many of us are significantly impacted by gospel songs, which help direct us in the correct direction. That’s why everyone should listen to the gospel hymn “Life’s Railway to Heaven,” a true gem you should not miss.

Tillman set the hymn written by Baptist preacher M.E. Abbey, ‘Life’s Railway to Heaven’ which was said to have drawn influence from William Shakespeare Hays’ poetry “The Faithful Engineer.”

Numerous outstanding musicians have recorded the song, including Boxcar Willie, The Oak Ridge Boys, Johnny Cash, Brad Paisley, Russ Taff, and many more. Given the song’s uplifting message and the fact that one of country music’s central themes is our love for God, it is understandable why so many country giants enjoyed performing the song.

According to the Western Writers of America members, the song was also well-known for being among the Top 100 Western songs of all time. Although there were no reports of the song charting, it is unquestionably one of the gospel songs that has moved many people.

Meaning Behind the Song 

In history, gospel music opened the way for other musical genres and assisted enslaved people in escaping to freedom. It fosters a sense of optimism and gives space for God’s worship. Additionally, in today’s age, it is helpful for us listeners to be led by the light of God in times of darkness. 

And in the song “Life’s Railway to Heaven” it discusses how when we were in that stage of life when death is already in front of us, we are now preparing for a long journey in Life’s Railway to Heaven.

So if you want to check out this fantastic gospel song called “Life’s Railway to Heaven,” you can check out one performance video below. 

Latest Stories

“Here You Come Again”: The Rare Dolly Parton Hit That She Didn’t Write Herself

“Here You Come Again”: The Rare Dolly Parton Hit That She Didn’t Write Herself

In her decades-long career, starting with her debut solo album Hello, I’m Dolly in 1967, Dolly Parton successfully made a name for herself. Here’s the thing: She’s not just an ...

Johnny Cash and the Absolutely Chaotic Tale of His First Live Performance of “San Quentin”

Johnny Cash and the Absolutely Chaotic Tale of His First Live Performance of “San Quentin”

The legendary Johnny Cash’s 1969 live album Johnny Cash At San Quentin was undeniably a moment in country. That is, he recorded it straight from the maximum security prison, the ...

Here Are a Few Fierce Facts About Grammy-Winning Artist Carly Pearce

Here Are a Few Fierce Facts About Grammy-Winning Artist Carly Pearce

A few facts you probably know about Carly Pearce: She left her Kentucky home and dropped out of high school at 16, took a job at Dolly Parton’s theme park, ...

“Scars on This Guitar”: A Bon Jovi Tribute to the One Thing That Heard Every Word Out of His Heart

“Scars on This Guitar”: A Bon Jovi Tribute to the One Thing That Heard Every Word Out of His Heart

Some songs tug at your heart, some songs hit right at your soul, and then there are songs that you just relate to so much that they touch every fiber ...

Before “Jolene” There Was “Joshua”: Listen to Dolly Parton’s First-Ever Number-One Hit

Before “Jolene” There Was “Joshua”: Listen to Dolly Parton’s First-Ever Number-One Hit

1971 was the golden year of Dolly Parton’s early career, releasing three albums that cemented her place in the genre: The Golden Streets of Glory, Joshua, and Coat of Many ...

The Story behind Waylon Jennings’ Oldie “Rainy Day Woman”

The Story behind Waylon Jennings’ Oldie “Rainy Day Woman”

Written and recorded by American country musician Waylon Jennings, “Rainy Day Woman” utterly compares the ironic nature of life’s ups and downs to a woman. This track was the second ...

Faith Hill delivers her soul-cleansing tune, “Come to Jesus”

Faith Hill delivers her soul-cleansing tune, “Come to Jesus”

Upon releasing a collection of unreleased tracks in her fourth compilation album, Deep Tracks, Faith Hill featured a cover of “Come to Jesus” as the 13th song on her tracklist ...

Rhiannon Giddens brings the most heartfelt cover of “Wayfaring Stranger”

Rhiannon Giddens brings the most heartfelt cover of “Wayfaring Stranger”

Haunting and heavenly, Carolina Chocolate Drops vocalist Rhiannon Giddens hurls a soulful rendition of “Wayfaring Stranger.”  The Pulitzer musician enchanted fans and non-fans alike with her banjo when she performed the American ...

A Love Gone Sour: “When Did You Stop Loving Me” by George Strait

A Love Gone Sour: “When Did You Stop Loving Me” by George Strait

Written by Donny Keess and Monty Holmes, American country singer George Strait released his record “When Did You Stop Loving Me” on April 19, 1993. This was featured as the ...

Johnny Lee's "Lookin' for Love" Remains a Timeless Anthem of Hope and Heartbreak

Johnny Lee’s “Lookin’ for Love” Remains a Timeless Anthem of Hope and Heartbreak

Sometimes, the songs that stick with us the most are the ones that almost didn’t make it. “Lookin’ for Love,” Johnny Lee’s big hit from 1980, is one of those ...