He is a graduate of St. Augustine's College in Raleigh, North Carolina. There Luther evolved into a truly remarkable soloist, pianist, vocal arranger and songwriter. While in college he formed a gospel group of his own known as "The Peace and Harmony Singers" : this group was chosen to travel and represent the College at various occasions.
Armed with a B.A. degree in Music Education, Luther was ready to establish his mark on the world. He taught music at his former high school in Rocky Mount, North Carolina and elementary and junior high schools in Nash/Edgecombe County, North Carolina. Combining his love for teaching, love for music and his dedication to the gospel music industry, he provided piano and voice lessons to an extensive list of private clients and church choirs.
Luther has gone on to showcase his talents in composing, arranging and performing to the gospel music community by writing for other artist, performing with The Sunset Jubilaires and The Red Budd Gospel Choir. He has added other dimensions to his vast repertoire by performing in Off-Broadway plays and producing an Annual North Carolina Fall Classic which takes place the first week in October in Rocky Mount, North Carolina.
Luther Barnes knows the power of music, and the anointing that comes from God. He is a visionary who holds up the triumphant heritage of Gospel music. Luther Barnes was ordained as a Reverend on July 7, 2007 at Greater Saint Paul Holy Church in Maple Hill, NC.
Heaven on My Mind
Luther Barnes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I started out with Jesus at a very early age
Yes I've known him nearly all of my life
Well I'll admit there have been times
Where I've faltered along the way
But I'll keep trying cause somehow I've gotta make it in
You see I've got a charge on my life
And I've got a job to do
Chorus:
I'm determined
I've got made up mind
I can't stand around wasting my time
I'm gonna keep on working for Jesus
Every day of my life
Cause I've got heaven on my mind
Verse 2:
I don't have time to waste
Criticizing someone else
There are some things I'd rather leave behind
And I don't have time to be bothered
With she said, that she said, that they said
Cause it's all I can do to keep my own self in line oh lord
I must work while this day
Cause I know the night is surely coming
I'm going all all the way
Chorus
Vamp:
I can't understand how some people can move so slow
But they don't know just what time it is
He's coming back and I know it that won't be long
I've gotta be ready, i've gotta be ready
For my starry crown
I want to hear him say i want to hear him say well done
Chorus
You can talk about me
Say what you wanna say
You can stand around wasting your time
But while you're talking I'm gonna keep on walking
Cause I got heaven on my mind
Chorus
I've got heaven (with echo 2 times)
I've got heaven on my mind (end)
The lyrics to Luther Barnes's song Heaven on My Mind are about the determination of the lead singer to keep on working for Jesus every day of his life as he has a charge on his life and a job to do. The song emphasizes the importance of staying focused on one's mission in life, and not wasting time on criticizing others or getting caught up in gossip. The lead singer acknowledges that he has faltered along the way, but he is determined to keep trying until he makes it to heaven. The song is a call to action for believers to stay focused on their faith and their mission in life.
In Verse 2, the lead singer reinforces the importance of not wasting time, and instead, using one's time productively. He emphasizes the need to work while it's still daytime because the night is coming. He will not be deterred by negative comments or gossip but will keep on walking with his eyes fixed on his goal.
In the Vamp section of the song, the lead singer expresses his readiness for the second coming of Christ, and how he wants to hear the Lord say, "Well done." He acknowledges that some people move slowly and don't know what time it is, but he is focused on his mission and will keep on walking the path of righteousness.
Facts about the song:
1) "Heaven on My Mind" was released in 1995 as a single from the album "So Satisfied."
2) The song was written by Luther Barnes and produced by Minister Walter Hawkins.
3) The song was very successful in the gospel music charts, reaching No. 1 on Billboard's Hot Gospel Songs chart.
4) The song was nominated for a Grammy Award in the Best Traditional Gospel Album category in 1996.
5) Luther Barnes is a gospel singer, songwriter, and producer who has been active in the music industry since the early 1980s.
6) Luther Barnes and his group, the Red Budd Gospel Choir, have released numerous albums and won several awards.
7) Luther Barnes is known for blending traditional gospel with contemporary Christian music styles.
8) Luther Barnes has also collaborated with other gospel artists, including Kirk Franklin, Fred Hammond, and Shirley Caesar.
9) The song has been covered by many artists, including Donnie McClurkin and Vanessa Bell Armstrong.
10) The song's message of determination and focus on one's mission has resonated with many listeners and has made it a popular choice for church choirs.
Chords: Unfortunately, the chords to the song are not available as the original version was not performed with any instruments, only vocals.
Line by Line Meaning
I started out with Jesus at a very early age
I have been a Christian for most of my life
Yes I've known him nearly all of my life
I have had a strong relationship with Jesus since childhood
Well I'll admit there have been times
Where I've faltered along the way
But I'll keep trying cause somehow I've gotta make it in
I've made mistakes, but I won't give up on my faith or my goal of getting to Heaven
You see I've got a charge on my life
And I've got a job to do
And I can't stop until it's through
I believe God has a purpose for my life, and I won't give up until I fulfill it
I'm determined
I've got made up mind
I can't stand around wasting my time
I'm gonna keep on working for Jesus
Every day of my life
Cause I've got heaven on my mind
I am committed to serving God and spreading his word every day, because my ultimate goal is to get to Heaven
I don't have time to waste
Criticizing someone else
There are some things I'd rather leave behind
And I don't have time to be bothered
With she said, that she said, that they said
Cause it's all I can do to keep my own self in line oh lord
I choose not to engage in gossip or negativity because I want to focus on what's important - my own relationship with God
I must work while this day
Cause I know the night is surely coming
I'm going all all the way
I believe that time is short and I must use every moment to serve God and lead others to him
I can't understand how some people can move so slow
But they don't know just what time it is
He's coming back and I know it that won't be long
I've gotta be ready, i've gotta be ready
For my starry crown
I want to hear him say i want to hear him say well done
I am aware of the urgency of spreading God's word and helping others find salvation, because the end times are coming soon and I want to be ready for judgement and earn my place in Heaven
You can talk about me
Say what you wanna say
You can stand around wasting your time
But while you're talking I'm gonna keep on walking
Cause I got heaven on my mind
I won't let negative comments or distractions deter me from my mission of serving God and getting to Heaven
I've got heaven (with echo 2 times)
I've got heaven on my mind (end)
My focus is on getting to Heaven, and I am determined to stay true to my faith and my mission until the end
Writer(s): LUTHER LEE BARNES
Contributed by John P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@ainseworthweir5163
my name is GABRIELLE BAILEY and I attend GREATER PORTMORE PRIMARY SCHOOL i came 2 in my class the song touches my heart and i an going to sing it at church tommorow i am going to get baptised SUNDAY night
@bri_29
Congratulations hope God continues to bless you and walk with you keep the faith 🤗
@plbfashion9240
Ainseworth Weir To God be the glory 🙌
@sarahwhitfield3690
Yes Lord God 🙏,it does touch my heart
@katieyoyng1139
I got a made up mind. I'm going to keep working for JESUS FOREVER!!!! I LOVE YOU JESUS AND I WILL ALWAYS PRAISES YOU FOREVER!!!
@Mabellgibbs
"I'm determined I've got made up mind I can't stand around wasting my time I'm gonna keep on working for Jesus every day of my life cause I've got heaven on my mind!!
@DatsexiVAChick
Amen amen amen amen
@mickmounce456
One of the most under rated singer writers of our time. Awesome!
@rosaclark163
I HAD A CHARAGE AND GOD SHOWED ME THE WAY, NOW GOD IS ALL I NEED AND I'LL JUST WAIT ON HIM,NOTHING ELSE MATTERS ,JUST TO DO HIS WILL
@Asol_abbey2100
This song only leaves me with an assignment to do the Lord work ! Great song and a reminder to stewards of the manifold gifts of God.