About the song
“Chiseled In Stone” is one of Vern Gosdin’s most poignant and memorable songs, showcasing his profound ability to capture the essence of life’s more somber moments through music. Released in 1988, this song is the title track of his critically acclaimed album *Chiseled In Stone*. It is co-written by Vern Gosdin and Max D. Barnes, both of whom are renowned for their contributions to the country music genre.
Vern Gosdin, affectionately known as “The Voice,” has a unique talent for infusing his music with raw emotion and authenticity. “Chiseled In Stone” tells the heart-wrenching story of a man reflecting on life’s losses and regrets, with the song’s narrative revolving around a visit to a cemetery where he learns a profound lesson about grief and the enduring nature of love.
The song quickly resonated with listeners and became a significant hit, reaching number 6 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart. Its success not only highlighted Gosdin’s exceptional storytelling abilities but also cemented his place as a vital figure in country music during the late 1980s. The album *Chiseled In Stone* itself was celebrated for its emotional depth and authenticity, with this particular track often cited as a standout.
“Chiseled In Stone” received critical acclaim, winning the Country Music Association’s (CMA) Song of the Year award in 1989. This accolade underscored the song’s impact and the profound way it resonated with both fans and critics alike. The track is revered for its heartfelt lyrics and Gosdin’s soulful delivery, which together create a powerful and moving listening experience.
For many, “Chiseled In Stone” remains a quintessential country ballad, embodying the genre’s tradition of storytelling through music. Its themes of love, loss, and reflection are timeless, making it a song that continues to touch hearts long after its initial release. Vern Gosdin’s legacy as a master of country music is beautifully encapsulated in this enduring classic, a testament to his talent and the universal appeal of his music.
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Lyrics
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 feelin’ sorry for myself
Then an old man sat down beside me
And looked me in the eye
He said, “Son, I know what you’re goin’ through
You ought to get down on your knees
And thank your lucky stars
That you’ve got someone to go home to
You don’t know about lonely
Or how long nights can be
Till you’ve lived through the story
That’s still livin’ in me
You don’t know about sadness
Till you’ve faced life alone
You don’t know about lonely
Till it’s chiseled in stone”
So 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 nothin’ without you
You don’t know about lonely
Or how long nights can be
Till you’ve lived through the story
That old man just told me
And you don’t know about sadness
Till you’ve 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