Gibson was born in Shelby, North Carolina into a poor working-class family, he dropped out of school in the second grade.
Gibson's first band was called Sons of the Soil, with whom he made his first recording in 1948. Among his greatest hits were "Oh Lonesome Me" (later recorded by both Ray Charles and Neil Young) and "Blue Blue Day" (both No. 1 hits in 1958); "Don't Tell Me Your Troubles" (1959); "Sea of Heartbreak" (1961); "Lonesome No. 1" and "I Can Mend Your Broken Heart" (1962); and "Woman (Sensuous Woman)" (a No. 1 hit in 1972).
Gibson recorded a series of successful duets with Dottie West in the late 1960s, the most successful of which were the No. 2 country hit "Rings of Gold" (1969) and the top 10 hit "There's a Story Goin' Round" (1970). In 1957, Gibson travelled back to Nashville to record "Oh Lonesome Me" for RCA. He and producer Chet Atkins decided to abandon the traditional steel guitar and fiddle and use a new sound featuring only guitars, a piano, a drummer, upright bass, and background singers. It became one of the first examples of what would be called the Nashville Sound and won Gibson a #1 hit; it also set the pattern for a long series of other RCA hits, including “Blue Blue Day” (1958).
A talented songwriter, Gibson was nicknamed "the sad poet" because he frequently wrote songs that told of loneliness and lost love. He wrote and sang "I Can't Stop Loving You", a song that would be recorded by more than 700 artists, most notably by Ray Charles with a pop version in 1962. He also wrote and recorded "Sweet Dreams" that would become a major 1963 crossover hit for Patsy Cline. A great fan, in 1967 Roy Orbison recorded an album of his songs simply titled: Roy Orbison Sings Don Gibson.
Don Gibson was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1973 and in 2001 into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
On his passing in 2003, he was interred in the Sunset Cemetery, in his hometown of Shelby, North Carolina.
Old Ship Of Zion
Don Gibson Lyrics
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T'is the old ship of Zion
T's the old ship of Zion
Get on board, get on board
The lyrics of Don Gibson’s song Old Ship Of Zion contain a metaphorical reference to the church as a ship that transports believers to the afterlife. Zion, which is mentioned in the title, is a biblical term that refers to the dwelling place of the righteous. The ship serves as a metaphor because, just like a ship, the church functions as a means of transportation to the promised land of heaven. The singer invites listeners to board the ship of Zion, indicating that it is a safe vessel that will guide them towards salvation.
Furthermore, the repeated refrain of “Get on board” suggests that the singer is urging hesitant listeners to join the church and embrace its teachings. In other words, the lyrics encourage people to take the leap of faith that is necessary to join the congregation and become a part of the community of believers.
Line by Line Meaning
T'is the old ship of Zion
This is the ancient vessel of Zion, which represents the longstanding tradition and faith of the people of Zion.
T'is the old ship of Zion
This is the classic and enduring symbol of Zion, a testament to its unchanging principles and values.
T's the old ship of Zion
This is indeed the legendary ship of Zion, renowned for its steadfastness and resilience.
Get on board, get on board
Join us aboard this ship of Zion, and become part of our community and shared beliefs.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: THOMAS A. DORSEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind