I've Been To Calvary
Bill & Gloria Gaither Lyrics

The lyrics to "I've Been To Calvary" by Bill & Gloria Gaither depict a person who has experienced fear and turmoil, indicated by the line "I've been the one who has been frightened and almost borne away." This individual is grappling with their own internal struggles and facing the consequences of their past actions, as they mention being haunted by thoughts from the previous day. They acknowledge the presence of some hindrance, possibly dust or smoke, impairing their vision and preventing them from fully expressing their emotions. Despite the pain they endure, they find solace in diverting their attention to activities like shooting pool and drinking whiskey, attempting to numb their feelings and forget the past. However, even these distractions fail to alleviate their suffering.

The singer's friends suggest they move on and leave behind their past mistakes, encouraging them to engage in activities to forget their pain. This advice reflects society's tendency to brush off emotional distress and mask it with exterior distractions. The singer acknowledges their own foolishness and the unsuccessful attempts they have made to cure their pain with whiskey. They acknowledge that the pain persists, undermining their attempts to escape from it.

In the final verse, the lyrics express a deep longing for healing and a sense of loss. The singer admits to not knowing what to do and metaphorically suggests holding a lamp above the rafters, hoping for some form of guidance or clarity. They lament that the smoke-filled rooms they find themselves in cannot replace or fill the void left by the person they have lost. The recurring theme of dust or smoke in their eyes symbolizes the clouded vision, emotional turbulence, and inability to fully confront and overcome their pain.

Overall, "I've Been To Calvary" touches on themes of fear, regret, emotional turmoil, and the struggle to find inner peace and healing.