Wells' success in the 1950s and 1960s was so enormous that she still ranks as the sixth most successful female vocalist in the history of the Billboard country charts according to historian Joel Whitburn's book "The Top 40 Country Hits", behind Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, Reba McEntire, Tammy Wynette, and Tanya Tucker. Wells was the third country music artist, behind Roy Acuff and Hank Williams, to receive the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1991 as well as being the seventh woman and first Caucasian woman to receive the honor. In 1976, she was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
One Way Ticket To The Sky
Kitty Wells Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Happy, oh, happy, am I
Walk with Jesus in the Holy Land
Shake my, my dad and mother's hand
I've got my one way ticket to the sky
When we hear ol' Gabriel's trumpet blow
And we know the hand of God is surely nigh
Shouting praises to the king
I've got my one way ticket to the sky
I've got my one way ticket to the sky
Happy, oh, happy, am I
Walk with Jesus in the Holy Land
Shake my, my dad and mother's hand
I've got my one way ticket to the sky
Soon the pearly gates will open wide
And the Savior will lead us safe inside
God will wipe away our tears
No more sorrow, no more fears
I've got my one way ticket to the sky
I've got my one way ticket to the sky
Happy, oh, happy, am I
Walk with Jesus in the Holy Land
Shake my, my dad and mother's hand
I've got my one way ticket to the sky.
There's a mansion waiting for me there
That my Savior has built for me on high
How the tears of joy now flow
As I gladly onward go
I've got my one way ticket to the sky
I've got my one way ticket to the sky
Happy, oh, happy am I
Walk with Jesus in the Holy Land
Shake my, my dad and mother's hand
I've got my one way ticket to the sky
The lyrics to Kitty Wells's "One Way Ticket To The Sky" are a proclamation of the singer's firm belief in the concept of heaven and the promise of eternal life. The first verse establishes the singer's contentment and joy in the knowledge that she has secured herself a guaranteed place in heaven. The references to walking with Jesus in the Holy Land and reuniting with her deceased parents suggest a personal connection to her faith, one that is foundational to her worldview.
The second verse, with its mention of Gabriel's trumpet and God's hand, is a call to action, urging believers to ready themselves for the moment of divine judgment. The new hallelujah song, which the singer promises to sing, is a sign of her great faith and her desire to praise her Lord, even in the face of death. The final verse, which refers to the pearly gates, God's wiping away of tears, and the absence of sorrow and fear, illustrates the hope and longing that believers feel for the promise of heaven.
Line by Line Meaning
I've got my one way ticket to the sky
I am ready to go to heaven and I have faith that I will go there.
Happy, oh, happy, am I
I am beyond joyful about this prospect.
Walk with Jesus in the Holy Land
I will have the privilege of walking with Jesus in the holy land.
Shake my, my dad and mother's hand
I will greet and be reunited with my deceased parents and feel their touch.
When we hear ol' Gabriel's trumpet blow
When we hear the signal of our impending departure to the afterlife.
And we know the hand of God is surely nigh
And we know that God is present and will guide us.
My new hallelujah song I'll sing
I will sing a new song of praise to God.
Shouting praises to the king
I will shout my praises to God, the king of heaven.
Soon the pearly gates will open wide
Soon, the gates of heaven will be opened.
And the Savior will lead us safe inside
And the Lord will guide us into heaven safely.
God will wipe away our tears
God will comfort us and wipe away our tears and sadness.
No more sorrow, no more fears
There will no longer be sorrow or fear in heaven.
There's a mansion waiting for me there
God has prepared a special place for me in heaven.
That my Savior has built for me on high
The lord has built me a mansion in heaven.
How the tears of joy now flow
I am filled with joy and happiness that I cannot contain, and tears flow.
As I gladly onward go
As I go with grace and eagerness towards my eternal resting place.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JOHN BAILES, WALTER BAILES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
jtls8
One of greats of all time!!! Rest in Peace Miss Kitty!!! Thank you for uploading!!
Mary Smith
What a great singer and wonderful lady she was! Loved her music! RIP Miss Kitty Wells!
MrTheelvisfan
I am now 61 years old and a fan of Kitty since I was 15 years old.
This is a wonderful tribute to the queen of country music.
Mandy Winstanley
I Remember going to see her Play at the Caroletta on Danforth Ave in Toronto back in the early 80's, What a wonderful performer and we are so lucky to have been able to share in her music for so many decades....R.I.P You Will Be Forever Remembered
jceades1950
Incredible. No "pitch correction" machines used on this recording session, like happens so much today. Besides, it simply wasn't needed!!! I repeat - Incredible!!
Marie Maribo
Kitty Wells was the reason why I started my account here on YT 5 years ago. I was searching for Kitty´s videos. At that time only few videos were posted here.But then in time it was getting more and more. And now we have so much videos of Kitty here, that´s a great pleasure. She was and will be forever the "Queen of Country Music"! RIP Miss Kitty...
Charles Pratt
This is a wonderful tribute to the true Queen of Country. Thank you for sharing this. Kitty Wells will always be my favorite female Country Music singer - and was such a sweetheart! God bless, Brother Charlie (froggiechar-You Tube Channel) P.S. Emmylou Harris is second favorite!
Barbara Mosley
This was Country, GOD BLESS them all. They sing for the Father now.
Lewis S Burleson
Very good been listening to Kitty since the early 50's
tazzjp
Well done.