Kitty Wells (born Muriel Deason on 30 August 1919 - 16 July 2012) is a coun… Read Full Bio ↴Kitty Wells (born Muriel Deason on 30 August 1919 - 16 July 2012) is a country singer from Nashville, Tennessee, known as the Queen of Country Music. During the 1950s she was the only female vocalist to consistently hit the top of the country charts and her stardom was on the same level as the biggest male vocalists of the period.

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.

How Far Is Heaven
Kitty Wells Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

How far is heaven, let's go tonight
I want my daddy to hold me tight

A little girl was waiting for her daddy one day
It was time to meet him, when she heard her mommy say
"Come to mama, darling, please do not cry
Daddy's gone to heaven, way up in the sky"

How far is Heaven? When can I go?
To see my daddy, he's there, I know
How far is Heaven? Let's go tonight
I want my daddy to hold me tight

He was called so suddenly and could not say goodbye
I know that he's in Heaven, we'll meet him by and by
The little girl trembled, her tears she could not hide
She looked up towards heaven and then she replied

How far is Heaven? When can I go?
To see my daddy, he's there, I know

How far is Heaven? Let's go tonight
I want my daddy to hold me tight

Overall Meaning

The song "How Far is Heaven" by Kitty Wells is a poignant ballad that explores the grief and longing of a little girl who has lost her father. The lyrics begin with a plaintive question: "How far is heaven, let's go tonight / I want my daddy to hold me tight." The verses go on to describe the girl's experience of waiting for her father to arrive, only to learn that he has passed away and gone to heaven. The girl's mother does her best to comfort her, but the child remains consumed with the desire to be reunited with her father.

The song is a powerful expression of loss and the universal human yearning for connection and comfort. The singer's use of vivid imagery - the sky as a symbol of heaven, the little girl's trembling and tears - helps to bring the emotions of the song to life. At the same time, the song's refrain - "How far is Heaven? When can I go? / To see my daddy, he's there, I know / How far is Heaven? Let's go tonight / I want my daddy to hold me tight" - creates a sense of urgency and longing that is sure to resonate with anyone who has experienced the pain of separation from a loved one.

Overall, "How Far is Heaven" is a beautifully crafted song that captures the raw emotions of grief and loss in a way that feels honest and true. It's a reminder of the power of music to express the deepest, most complex emotions of the human experience.

Line by Line Meaning

How far is heaven, let's go tonight
The little girl wants to know the distance to heaven so she can go there tonight to be with her father.

I want my daddy to hold me tight
The little girl wants to be comforted by her father's embrace.

A little girl was waiting for her daddy one day
The story starts with a little girl eagerly waiting for her father's arrival.

It was time to meet him, when she heard her mommy say
The girl's mother told her that her father had passed away just as she was about to meet him.

"Come to mama, darling, please do not cry
The girl's mother comforts her and asks her not to cry.

Daddy's gone to heaven, way up in the sky"
The mother tells the girl that her father has gone to heaven and is now in the sky.

He was called so suddenly and could not say goodbye
The father passed away suddenly and was not able to say goodbye to his family.

I know that he's in Heaven, we'll meet him by and by
The little girl is comforted knowing that her father is in heaven and that they will be reunited someday.

The little girl trembled, her tears she could not hide
The little girl was emotional and unable to hide her tears.

She looked up towards heaven and then she replied
The little girl looked towards heaven and spoke.

How far is Heaven? When can I go?
The little girl wants to know how far heaven is and when she can go there to be with her father.

Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Jimmie Davis, Tillman Franks

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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Comments from YouTube:

@bettyfirestine2719

34w↑1

My Momma used to sing all the old songs but she is the Choir in Heaven now just singing away 🙏🏻

@user-rg8jk1ot5g

6w↑1

I remember my Mom singing this song when I was young I always thought she had the most beautiful voice she's been gone several years now I wish I could hear her singing again

@MzAwAkEn

13y

Woke up thinking of you momma.. How i miss you so. I remember you singin this song to us as children.. Now i find myself singin it for you.. <3 Lorraine beth Visseau july 3 1955- nov 30 2010 <3 <3

@cliffbuswell6156

51w↑2

Kitty Wells was my wife's favorite singer and this was her favorite song. I lost her in March after 48 yrs.

@levitheman.96

Awesome Song, kitty Wells is an amazing singer. My Grandpa Call liked her! 😀

@DorcasFrancine

13y↑5

Its been a long long time since I've heard this. I first heard it about a week or so after my daddy passed away just about 47 years ago. I still miss him. Thanks so much for the wonderful memory.

@williamrolls8075

Hello Dorcas

@kathybranic9410

3y↑5

I love this song. My Daddy died when I was 9 years old. I am 70 now and I miss him every day. I used to sing it when I was little but only when I was by myself because I didn't want to make my Mother cry.

@williamrolls8075

3y↑1

Hello Kathy

@glendadavies1455

46w

So Sad I used to sing it with tears rolling down my face sitting under the orange trees.😢

@aprilgreenfield8266

3y↑2

my dad use to play this song on his guitar and i would sing the song. It makes me miss him so much. Daddy no matter how old i may become ill always be your baby girl.. RIP Daddy 1952-2012

@rjaykay54

11y↑10

I can remember my parents playing this album on the big stereo when I was a child . This song was always so sad to me, I just couldnt imagine a little girl losing her daddy. That was over 50 years ago. I lost my daddy in 2011 and this song came to mind. I miss my daddy and cant wait to go to Heaven so he can hold me tight!

@valeriepowers

13y

Kitty Wells is the Greatest.

@sandraroach2373

28w↑1

song! My aunts played this song a lot & I cry every time i hear it. It makes me very emotional!!

@MoJoPiano

11y↑1

Thank you for speaking up. Kitty was voted by Billboard AND Cashbox Magazine the number one country female vocalist for 11 years. She is enshrined in the Country Music Hall of Fame. She had numerous top ten hits. Her career spanned six decades traveling fulltime. She was the favorite of millions. I doubt that many of today's female artists will be able to touch her record and longevity. On top of all this, she was one of the most humble, gracious ladies ever! THANK YOU AGAIN! Mo Jo

@cjk415

My little sister & I would sing this in different church we went to,, I was 5 yrs old & my sister was 2,,, when my Dad got killed he & another man died in a well ,gas, 6-3-1947,,,Kitty had lot of good songs,,,Her daughter is helping her n this one,,

@watpics

10y↑139

My father wrote this song many years ago. I think of him now up in Heaven as he now knows the answer. I miss him every dsy

@terinamayberry9019

6y↑9

Watson Franks your father wad a wonderful man. I'm 56, my father had always sung you me. from the time I was 4, I would ask him to sing this song, knowing i would cru each time. My Momma passed away June 1st, at the age of 72. Instead of Daddy, my mind instantly replaced it with Momma. Daddy is still here, he's 75,I pay the lord comes before its his time because i couldn't handle losing him.

@annamariepolniaczek3807

5y↑5

Tillman Franks is your daddy?

@watpics

4y↑5

@@annamariepolniaczek3807 yes

@robbylowe8315

4y↑5

This song was the first song my mom learned to sing. The first I learned to sing. And one of the first my daughter as learned. She is 4 and has sung this song since she was 2. @Watson Franks your fathers song has played a huge role in my life and my family's. Thank you!

@jimmiewright6690

Me to come here daddy lets get a chew spit and widdle

23 More Replies...

@andrecanuck5656

9y↑3

Kitty Wells was literally the Queen of Country Music, no one will ever even come close to her today, although there are good ones out there, Kitty was the real queen of country.

@dorothychecksfield8371

7y↑1

Andre Landry u

@dorothychecksfield8371

Andre Landry

@dorothychecksfield8371

7y↑1

I love kitty wells I was born and raised on the remote island of Saint Helena I would listen to her beautiful songs . I didn't know my mother and listening to kitty welld helped to take the pain away.

@dorothychecksfield8371

I'm not

@kaneratiio33

13y

i use to listen to this song all the time as a kid whenever my dad would go off to work in the states

@USMCmos7236

13y↑3

My Mom passed in 2009. I remember her singing this while doing housework. I can not get through it without crying. I miss you, Mom.

@MoJoPiano

11y↑2

Thank you for creating this wonderful video. This one goes way, way back there. I remember when Kitty and her daughter Carol Sue recorded this one. You could not turn on the radio without hearing this one. I've heard Kitty many, many times in concert and she always included this one in her stage show. Never be another like Kitty Wells, the undisputed Queen Of Country Music! Mo Jo

@TDmort48

13y

Carol Sue Wells and her Mommy made a great team and a great song!

@danielhollie1329

3y↑9

When I was around 8 years old me and my dad used to sing this song.... I miss him.

@mjr2349

14y

I use to sing this for a boyfriend back in the 1960's.....thx

@BiltmoreGhost

My father died of esophageal cancer. He use to sing this song to me as a toddler, but all these years later I still remember him singing it.

The last week he was alive, he taught my Uncle how to play the guitar portion so he could sing and record this song for me.

In Hospice care, in pain, I have my fathers last song that is a gift made for me to remember him by.

@user-to7er3rh5r

25w

I wish I could hear my mom and dad sing again I miss them so much...even when they were divorced and remarried we all went to church together holidays together my mom and Lois were great friends and Jack and my dad as well..that's the way it should be in separations use our motto...CAN'T WE ALL GET ALONG??? YES WE CAN...IF YOU CHOOSE TO!

@daleyshiral1970

I use to sing this song....every time I took a bath ....way back in the 50's and 60's..... He passed away when I was grown with children... and I still sing this song when I'm alone and missing him

@crystalpeitz3429

2y↑3

I used to sing this with my Dad when I was a little girl.. He passed 6 days ago, and I had go hear it again. 🥺😢

@bettyfirestine2719

34w

Maybe your Daddy is singing with my Momma in the Choir ❤

@marythompson5458

2y↑1

What A sad Song Kitty Wells Voice Beautiful Rip

@deb1438

7y↑2

my grandma sang this to me 47 years ago. i was 6, whwn my daddy passed away. id forgotten the lyrics. thank you ♡

@hannahguertin8979

I always love Kitty well S
Ones since I was a child I’m 76 years I’ll always love her songs praise god for her amen

@marymacka4801

9y↑1

My little sister was four years old and would be swinging on the front porch singing this song as loud as she could.....she will be 60 yrs old tomorrow. HAPPY BIRTHDAY LITLE SISTER. LOVE YOU AND THIS SONG AND THE MEMORY OF YOU SINGING IT.

@Bejitarble

11y↑2

My Father Loved this song, and when He died in 1969 and I was only 9 yrs old, I started singing it to anyone who would listen.....even today, if I think of the words or( for the first time as an adult) hear ir again, I still Miss Him, and Want Him " to Hold Me tight"

@piotx8196

8y↑12

My grandmother loved this song,she passed yesterday she has me thinking how far is heaven tonight.

@kratosjunior817

Sorry bro. RIP to gram man. 🙏🏽

@elizabethgreen5044

@nativestclaire08

11y↑1

missin my daddy today has been 3yrs since he passed away love that man so much

@TheKaren4805

9y↑1

This is a song that my dad would play the guitar to and I would sing it. He died in 1987 I was 28 years old. I still miss him to this day...he had his own country and western band...so I grew up on the old country.

@TheKaren4805

@@williamrolls8075 hello

@TheKaren4805

@@williamrolls8075 Missouri but transplanted to Georgia

@TheKaren4805

@@williamrolls8075 willie Waylon dollie patsy kitty bobby helms are some of them

@TheKaren4805

@@williamrolls8075 that is fine by me

@ceeceeb5075

9y↑6

My grandmother taught me this song when I was a child. I never knew it was country until I looked up the lyrics. But the words always struck me as simple but powerful.I lost my father suddenly this year. We were all laughing n joking at a family function when he said he wasn't feeling well. He died on the way to the hospital. This song brings tears to my eyes. It brings back childhood memories. My daughter was singing it today (she learned it from the same person, her great grandmother). Despite the tears it brought a smile to my face. He was loved. He is missed but I am thankful for the many years we had with him.

@regina72865

7y↑1

My parents had this album when I was young. I remember crying every time this song played because I couldn't fathom losing my daddy....he's been gone now 3-1/2 years now and I cry as I listen to it because I miss him so much. Thank you for sharing..

@XDCJOEN

13y

This the original that will be in my minds old country music hall of fame...

@rogerspivey7149

11y

My daddy died February 27, 1990 and I miss him a lot and I love him. I think about him all the time. What a beautiful song.

@prettygurl218

12y↑4

i lost my dad when i was 10 going on 11, i am now 13 and a day never goes by without me thinking of him. he had died from cancer and this song means a lot to me <3

@gauchojoplin7788

hope you're doing okay and still remember him through this song <3

@LINativeson

11y

Don't get me wrong! i love Kitty Wells' music. I'm just wondering how old some of you people are? I'm 70 and you must be close to that to remember her music.

@lynnhughston442

11y↑2

Mumma played this for me in 1973 when I was 12 and my Daddy went to Heaven......

@ashw.5404

4y↑2

My dad loved this song and used to play it all the time. Now that hes gone it plays a whole new meaning to me. I miss him so much.😭

@nanajewel615

12y↑4

Thanks for this beautiful song. My Dad passed away just last week and it has been very hard. This song really touches home :-( So how far is Heaven? I want my daddy back

@wandaarsenault4454

Sang this often at our kitchen parties in New Brunswick Canada🍁 🎻🍁

@tylorledet2790

9y↑23

this song reminds me of my mom who passed at the age of 39 from a brain aneurysm...when I was a baby, she would sing this song to me as a lullaby & she would change the words for each of us kids.... still gives me chills now that i'm 26 years old, It still gives me goosebumps to know that she's probably singing as I'm watching this video, I miss you mom, RIP.

@VintageVera1

+Tylor Ledet beautiful story

@buckabuckler4413

Tylor Ledet

i think people would care more about what you say if you weren't flipping everybody off

@gizellewilliams9707

Tylor Ledet. This song reminds me of me cousin grace ahe pass away to

@bernlee6886

Hoosebumps

@Maribo33

14y

No doubt about it, Miss Kitty is "The one and only Queen of Country Music"! She paved the way for all the other female country singers. Thanks very much for posting this :)

@boogablu

4y↑1

My grandfather always sang this song to me when I was young. I'd ask him to sing it over and over. Even at such a young age it taught me to appreciate my family more. I was around 7.

@Jaybird41283

14y↑2

This song (even tho written before I was born) just had to be meant for my little girls. Their daddy is in Heaven and we miss him so much. I love you Jay. RIP my love.

@williamrolls8075

Hello Jennifer

@bettybell5127

our mom always sung this to all seaven kids...oh mch we all miss her wvweryday. in loving memory of mom 1946...2012

@LINativeson

11y↑1

glad to hear you like this music. too bad more people don't give it a chance.

@ashleythomas3915

11y↑2

I am 22 years old.. My mom used to sing this song to me.. She died 3 years ago and this song just reminds me of her.. I love to listen to it (even though it makes me cry)

@k2mesee

12y

You know how far Heaven is now Kitty!!! R.I.P and keep on singin!!! God must've needed you in his choir :)

@stephonieguy3416

my daddy used to sing this song,it brings back so many memories

@brendaadams1361

8y↑33

as sad as it is, this song brings a strange feeling of comfort even tho I can
barely make it to the end without crying

@dennislemay8274

What a jewel rip Mrs Kitty🌹🤠

@thetamara40

My Mom was a Country singer she traveled all around California and I did this duet with her when I was like seven and I lost my mother October 1, 2020 I lost my dad August 13, 1996

@doramiller6852

9y↑3

This was one of the two songs my family would sing all the time. My dad passed away on Dec 22, 2014 and I am having a hard time with mourning him due to so much on my plate. I sit and listen to it hoping that one day soon I will finally be able to mourn him like I should. I love you daddy I know you and mom are watching over me together now

@jmack619

Dora Miller it,s tough to deal with .. makes christmas season tough.. find your strength..

@doramiller6852

It sure is. Yesterday was really hard on me watching the fireworks in Lancaster Ohio without him

@michelleyantha

Dora Miller my mom still skips this song when it comes on, my dad used to sing it all the time. I miss him dearly. Im only 25 and this song is the only song i can remember from my father. That and a song about snakes at night haha. <3

@michelleyantha

Dora Miller OH and ring of fire haha how could i forget. :P

@doramiller6852

I know that feeling

3 More Replies...

@elijahtk3893

What a song ! So full of tears. I hope to meet my late mother too up there. Tears from Ghana.

@eagelman1

12y

Kitty wells will be miss she reminded me of my mother that pass away 2 years ago they both will be miss but not forgotten

@countryboywilliams6755

A real "tear-jerker"...from the "Queen" of country

@seamstress28

6y↑9

Sang this song to my sisters and brother every evening, then my children every night for many years! My Daddy went to heaven when I was eight and a half, so I think it's why I still love it at 71 yrs old!

@patsybecker5512

My daddy died when I was 6 , This song has been reassuring me , I’m now 73

@jamescecil4744

I love Kitty Wells so much. She had such a beautiful voice. I grew up watching her on the grand ole oprey

@nerak714

11y↑1

My father has always sang this song, always made me cry

@smartiplants

9y↑12

Both my parents are gone now but this song brings back a funny memory. When I was a kid this song used to always make me cry. One day my Dad walked through where my mom was sewing and listening to Kitty Wells. This song was playing and my Dad said "Change the music Dear; you're depressing the kids!" haha!

@williamrolls8075

Hello Nancy

@tammysmithbrewington7752

My sister would play this song when she got mad at are Dad. Are Dad went to Heaven 3-12-2021 at the age of 95, a few days of being 96. What a great man
He had the Spirits with him when he left. He didn't have to go alone. Amazing! I'm so thankful. I love this song thank you !

@MsSweetcandyTV

12y↑1

My dad died when I was 18 months old.he was 25 I'm 13 now I miss him with everything inside me.i sing this all the time.-\3

@joycejoyea8886

Beautiful, first time I heard this by Kitty Wells 🔥

@johnhall203

10y↑7

KITTY WELLS YOU ARE THE BEST I JUST LOVE YOU TO NO END THANKS

@angelahatfield1365

thank you for sharing this.. my granny and mom used to sing this when I was a little girl..

@deedee2858

When I was a little girl, My Mom sang and played this song on our old upright piano. Her Daddy died when She was 9 years old. Brain bleed during the night. He left behind My Grandma raising 10 children with one ready to be born. They had a tough life but always had faith.

@boblepage8190

simply beautiful.

@buckabuckler4413

6y↑1

i first got turned to country at the age of 4 when ronnie milsap came on the radio and the song was called pure love the first country song i ever heard after that i heard of digging up bones by randy travis the second country song i heard both on the same day since then i haven't got enough of country i'd constantly listen to country songs but never knew there names until i decided to look up every song i heard it's been almost 12 years of listening to country music and i still love it i can't understand why someone would choose loud music over nice old country music

@jaiengore2908

I learned this song when I was about 4. I'm 59 now and just hearing this again brings back so memories.

@amandahayes2749

46w

This song has a whole different feel my husband passed away a couple months ago sometimes my kids ask this question how far is heaven I miss him dearly and my kids do too

@millerjjr

Haven't heard this song in years. It was one of my dad's favorites. He always loved Kitty's music.

@Isolatedcrossroadman

14y

To the Familes of our lost heroes who died protecting us.

@paulmusic9135

49w

WoW i really Love this its makes me think of my little sister Mary Music Cactle !!!!!!!

@laprairielouellasetliff5036

I grow women my daddy went to heaven.I couldn't touch him or kiss him because Covid. I feel a little girl lost daddy.Rip Daddy your baby girl loves Jesus and you.

@skittlesandsquirrels

13y

wow >.> this is such a sad song. Even though my dad's not home much since he's a truck driver, i still love him more than anything, and don't know what i'd do with out my dad :'(

@jwta3820

i so miss my dad 😭😭😢😢💔 right now

@shielahowe6698

This is the song I singing to my Dad before he died I also told him that I would never say goodbye

@jatsmom

14y

this song has SO much meaning for me...so much. i was a mere 21 when my father passed away. my mother, wehn i was just 17. this song touches my heart.

@brendaadams1361

my mom and dad taught me the love of music . I miss my parents SO MUCH

@illyriax2

14y

omg ty for posting this song i met her when i was 7 great lady i have a pic of her with me this song is some thing i will never forget reminds me of my father who i lost 2 years ago tytyty so muchhhh

@courtneymcfly2206

5y↑3

RIP Daddy 💔😭
1961-2019

@crookedman5896

I miss my dad Stan Shorting Dec. 30th 1951 - Jan 19th 2019. I'm so glad I learned that this was one of his fav songs as a young boy... now when I play this or hear it.. I will always think of him

@joshuameek1489

Love this song. A good song from back in the old days!!

@nicolacoppola9331

Thats my song to my dad rip i will meet you soon dad 🙏💔💔🙏

@cibinensis77

9y↑7

one year ago my dad passed away. he was waiting for me to see him. i feel guilty all my life not going to see him. i miss him

@kennydobbins815

I'm sorry for your loss.

@erstwhilesavvy562

florin valentin Tell the Lord what you would've said had you seen your dad, then leave it in His hands. I hope this helps you.

@jennifursun3303

mine is gone for 26 years this month and i miss mine sadly heaven has not visiting hours

@charlesswag4858

Love you auntie Joanne

@cparry511

6y↑9

I cry when i hear this song.

@leegardner1790

Kitty wells songs are classic may she rest in peace I will always listen to her voice

@userjos

we all miss you Miss Kitty R.I.P love you forever i hope you entertaining everyone up in heaven!!! :)

@tomvaliquette5492

Love kitty WELL

@royannamerkel2610

This brings back memories from when my dad and I would sing together.

@tinahall5119

this song brings back so meany memerys my Grandma use to listen to this song as I grown up and she as passed way R.I.P Grandma we all love and miss you

@heather5893

9y↑5

My great grandma died and this was her favorite song😢

@nicolacoppola9331

3y↑1

Sad but lovely song cried my eyes out ❤❤

@williamwassing

51w

It is a beautiful song yet very sad. Especially this version with the little girl singing.

@michealprevost4921

12y

very nice song imy dad left me april 2006 his still with me in my heart luv u dad miss u xxoo

@xoxoheartbroken9xoxo

13y

My dad just died on April 27th 2011 and i havent seen him in 3 years i miss him

@shirleymckenna

8y↑9

My Dad passed away 27 years ago and I MISS HIM EVERY DAY

@riygfyfhjgjjgdhvwadghjbhbh325

Daddy
I
Love
You

@hvnsgates

Beautiful video Candy.

@ramrodmcisaac6385

I can remember is song in the 80s my dad samgbit to my sister

@jjkcharlie

11y↑6

This song just tears me up every time I hear it. Every time.

@shirleyhume7647

9y↑2

This is one of my favorite song by Kitty Wells.

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