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Chiseled In Stone – Vern Gosdin

Chiseled in Stone (album) - Wikipedia

About the Song

Vern Gosdin‘s “Chiseled in Stone” is a poignant country ballad that explores the depths of love, loss, and regret. Released in 1988, the song quickly became a massive hit, resonating with listeners on a profound level. Gosdin, often hailed as “The Voice,” delivers a heart-wrenching performance that captures the raw emotion of the lyrics.

The song paints a vivid picture of a relationship in turmoil, where harsh words and misunderstandings have driven a wedge between two people. However, it’s not just a tale of heartbreak; it’s a journey of self-reflection and the realization of one’s mistakes. The title itself, “Chiseled in Stone,” suggests a deep-seated commitment and love that is as enduring as the earth itself.

Gosdin’s rich, soulful voice perfectly complements the song’s melancholic tone. His delivery is filled with sincerity, making it impossible not to feel the depth of emotion behind the words. The instrumentation, with its subtle blend of steel guitar and acoustic guitar, creates a haunting atmosphere that enhances the song’s emotional impact.

Beyond its musical beauty, “Chiseled in Stone” has become an anthem for those who have experienced the pain of lost love. It offers a sense of comfort and understanding, reminding listeners that they are not alone in their struggles. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless message and Gosdin’s extraordinary talent.FROM THE VAULTS: Vern Gosdin born 5 August 1934

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Lyrics: Chiseled In Stone

You ran cryin’ to the bedroom
I ran off to the bar
Another piece of heaven gone to hell
The words we spoke in anger
Just tore my world apart
And I sat there feeling sorry for myselfThen that old man sat down beside me
And looked me in the eye
And said “Son, I know what you’re going through
You ought to get down on your knees
And thank your lucky stars that you got someone to go home to”You don’t know about lonely
Or how long nights can be
Till you lived through the story
That’s still livin’ in me
And you don’t know about sadness
Till you faced life alone
You don’t know about lonely
Till it’s chiseled in stoneSo I brought these pretty flowers
Hoping you would understand
Sometimes a man is such a fool
Those golden words of wisdom
From the heart of that old man
Showed me I ain’t nothing without you

You don’t know about lonely
Or how long nights can be
Till you lived through the story
That old man just told me
And you don’t know about sadness
Till you faced life alone
You don’t know about lonely
Till it’s chiseled in stone
You don’t know about lonely
Till it’s chiseled in stone

 

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A cot waited in a rehearsal hall at RCA Victor’s New York studio while Jimmie Rodgers made his final recordings. Between songs, he lay down to recover enough strength for another take. It was May 1933. Rodgers was 35 and had battled tuberculosis since 1924. As his health deteriorated, his earnings had dwindled. Victor was paying $250 per recorded side, and he wanted to provide for his wife, Carrie, and their daughter, Anita. The sessions started on May 17. Within days, standing to sing became impossible. He worked from an easy chair, supported by pillows that brought him close enough to the microphone, then returned to the cot. On May 24, two musicians accompanied him through three songs. After they left, Rodgers recorded one more with only his guitar: “Years Ago.” He had completed twelve songs in eight days. The following night at the Taft Hotel, severe coughing gave way to hemorrhaging in his lungs. The hotel doctor could not be located. Rodgers fell into a coma and died on May 26, roughly 36 hours after his last recording. Before music made him famous, he had worked as a railroad brakeman. A Southern Railway train carried his body home to Meridian, Mississippi, in a baggage car. According to accounts of the journey, the engineer kept sounding the whistle along the way.

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