Gravedigger – Willie Nelson
One of the most powerful songs out right now is Willie Nelson’s cover of the Dave Matthew’s song “Gravedigger”. I can’t listen to that song without feeling uneasy inside. I also wonder while watching the Gravedigger video how Willie feels about performing this song and getting into a coffin. Especially since he is in his twilight years. There are always country songs out there that make us think about our mortality and the importance of life. I am going to list some of my favorites dealing with this topic below.
1. Gravedigger – Willie Nelson
Like I mentioned earlier this song really makes me think about my own mortality. This song also makes me sad for all those people that do face losing a child. I just can’t imagine out living my children. I think many of us just don’t want to think about dying or losing a family member. I don’t know if anyone else in country music could do this as well as Willie. He is just so haunting, touching, and real. This song reminds me of the Johnny Cash’s song, “Hurt”. It just reaches you deep inside.
2. Live This Life – Big & Rich
This is one of my favorite Big & Rich songs. The chorus of this song is so powerful.
I live this life until this life won’t let me live here anymore
Then I will walk yes I will walk
With patience through that open door
I have no fears, angels follow me wherever I may go
I live this life until this life won’t let me live here anymore
It just makes you realize that you have to live your life the best you can and when the time comes it will be OK. Kenny and John sing this song in such a commanding and touching way that I am just mesmerized when I am listening to it.
Link to a YouTube Slide Show set to “Live This Life” – Big & Rich
3. I Wanna Feel Something – Trace Adkins
I love when Trace Adkins sings deep songs. Trace’s music is such a contradiction. He sings the most meaningless songs and the most meaningful. I think “I Wanna Feel Something” has such a powerful message. We all need to live our life with meaning and feeling. That we need to be present in this life.
I Wanna Feel Something – Trace Adkins
4. Three Wooden Crosses – Randy Travis
When I hear this song, I am reminded to be thankful for the life I have. That life is a gift that should be respected to honor those that did not get to live a full life. I think we all wonder sometimes why good people or children can be taken from this world and others are spared. I think this song just reinforces that we can’t answer that question. We just need to live our life the best we can.
Link to a YouTube Live performance of Randy Travis singing “Three Wooden Crosses.”
5. I Saw God Today – George Strait
This is such a beautiful song. I think our children all give us hope and help us celebrate life. I think we all see the miracle in the birth of our children.
Link to a YouTube slide show set to George Strait singing “I Saw God Today.”
If you are looking for songs dealing with the loss of a loved one visit my mourning song list
