Lynn was born in Butcher Hollow, Van Lear, Kentucky in 1932. According to Songfacts, Loretta Lynn's superstar Country career started in 1960 when she recorded " I'm a Honky Tonk Girl " as her debut single. The song was a minor hit, climbing to #14 on Billboard's C&W Chart. By the late 1960s she had begun picking up various Female Vocalist of the Year trophies and in 1972 the singer became the first woman in history to win the Country Music Association's Entertainer of the Year trophy. Lynn dominated the Country charts throughout the rest of the decade and has continued to record hit records through the ensuing years. Her 50th anniversary year began with the award of a Grammy Lifetime Achievement on January 31, 2010.
Lynn released over 70 albums. She is the sister of country singer Crystal Gayle (born in Paintsville, Kentucky) and Peggy Sue, and is a cousin of Patty Loveless. Her father was a coal miner in Van Lear. Her biography was made into the 1980 film, Coal Miner's Daughter.
Everybody Wants To Go To Heaven
Loretta Lynn Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Everybody wants to go to heaven but nobody wants to die
Once upon a time there lived a man and his name was Hezekiah
He walked with God both day and night but he didn't wanna die
He cried, "Oh Lord, please let me live, death is close, I know"
God smiled down on Hezekiah and gave him fifteen years to go
Lord, I wanna go to heaven but I don't wanna die
Though I long for the day when I'll have new birth
Still I love livin' here on earth
Everybody wants to go to heaven but nobody wants to die
When Jesus lived here on this earth he knew his father's plan
He knew that he must give his life to save the soul of man
When Judas had betrayed him, her father heard him cry
He was brave until his death but he didn't wanna die
Everybody wants to go to heaven but nobody wants to die
Lord, I wanna go to heaven but I don't wanna die
Though I long for the day when I'll have new birth
Still I love the livin' here on earth
Everybody wants to go to heaven but nobody wants to die
Everybody wants to go to heaven but nobody wants to die
The song "Everybody Wants To Go To Heaven" by Loretta Lynn is a poignant commentary on the human desire for eternal life and the natural fear of death. The lines "Everybody wants to go to heaven but nobody wants to die" are repeated throughout the song, highlighting the paradox of wanting the reward without enduring the sacrifice. The first verse tells the story of Hezekiah, a man who pleads with God to spare his life despite his desire to walk with him. God grants Hezekiah fifteen more years on earth, suggesting that living is a gift but death is a natural endpoint. The second verse references Jesus, who knew that he had to give his life to save humanity, yet still cried out to his father for mercy when faced with death.
The song acknowledges the reality of death and the fear that it instills in human beings, while also acknowledging the desire for eternal life. The final lines of the chorus recognize the beauty of life on earth while still longing for Heaven. The themes of spiritual devotion, mortality, and the importance of living fully in the present are all woven together in this powerful song.
Line by Line Meaning
Everybody wants to go to heaven but nobody wants to die
Everyone desires to go to heaven, but no one wishes to experience death.
Once upon a time there lived a man and his name was Hezekiah
The story begins with a man named Hezekiah.
He walked with God both day and night but he didn't wanna die
Hezekiah was a devout man who feared death.
He cried, "Oh Lord, please let me live, death is close, I know"
Hezekiah prayed to God to spare his life as he knew he was close to death.
God smiled down on Hezekiah and gave him fifteen years to go
God granted Hezekiah's wish and gave him fifteen more years to live.
When Jesus lived here on this earth he knew his father's plan
Jesus was aware of his father's divine plan while on earth.
He knew that he must give his life to save the soul of man
Jesus knew that sacrificing his life was crucial in saving humanity.
When Judas had betrayed him, her father heard him cry
When betrayed by Judas, Jesus cried out to God.
He was brave until his death but he didn't wanna die
Despite his bravery, Jesus was still afraid to die.
Though I long for the day when I'll have new birth
The singer desires to be born again in heaven.
Still I love livin' here on earth
However, the singer still cherishes and enjoys life on earth.
Lyrics © SURE - FIRE MUSIC COMPANY, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Loretta Lynn
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Amanda Dawson
Was so incredibly blessed to have seen her this weekend! Loretta, God has blessed you with a long life here on earth as you have been an amazing vessel for His testimony in this world. I look forward to seeing you and your sweet family sing again. Thank you for singing this song that I requested as you were asking the audience. You are sharp as a tack, witty and exude the love and peace of our Lord. God bless you and your family. :) <3
Tricia Babros
This women is remarkable, she's put out 97 songs and still impresses.
La Mase
Wow, this entire album; "Full Circle" is AMAZING! I have listened to each track and loving each one....all are a "must" to hear. Loretta's vocals are strong. The outstanding musical arrangement between the other artists and vocal sessions are GREAT! This is one lady that everyone has to listen to. BRAVO to the new album Loretta!!!
donna glasgow
oh yeah she ca sing because I heard her in person when she went to sunset park to sing
La Mase
Hi Donna, I would love to see her LIVE! I am sure she was amazing.
donna glasgow
she was and still is.
donna glasgow
she is also my cousin
willec49
Loretta, Thank you for sharing your God-given gifts with the community. Your life force is strong. Your spirit has carried you through the joys and pain of life. Of course, you can't know the immensity of the impact and influence you've had on this earth. Only God can comprehend that.
James Eden
Love it..Loretta sounds as great as she always has
Karen O'Neal
I love it, you can understand every word, has a nice up beat, & it's the TRUTH! Everybody wants to go to heaven, but nobody wants to die. Hope you sing it in July when I see ya!