Born in Jacksonville, Florida, USA, Boone is a direct descendant of the American pioneer Daniel Boone. He grew up in Nashville, Tennessee, attended David Lipscomb College and began recording in 1954 for Republic Records. His 1955 version of "Ain't That a Shame" was a huge hit, selling far better than Fats Domino's original version. This set the stage for the early part of Boone's career, which focused on covering R&B songs by black artists for a white market. Previously, rock 'n' roll had had only limited exposure outside of the African American community. Pat Boone's pale covers gave attention to the more authentic original artists, such as Little Richard and Fats Domino and to rhythm and blues in general. In addition, the songwriters and copyright holders benefited even when individual artists did not.
In fact, only six of Boone's many hit singles were R&B covers, and only four of those were rockers. All were released in the first two years of his long career. These were "Ain't That a Shame" by Fats Domino and "Tutti Frutti" and "Long Tall Sally" by Little Richard, and "At My Front Door (Crazy Little Mama)" by the El Dorados. The other two R&B covers were well-chosen blues ballads, "I Almost Lost My Mind" by Ivory Joe Hunter and "Chains of Love," a hit for Big Joe Turner and later B.B. King that had been written by Ahmet Ertegun. By 1957, Boone was concentrating on the middle-of-the-road music that dominated his career. He never recorded another R&B cover.
Known as "The Kid in White Buck Shoes", Boone sported a clean-cut image that appealed to white [teens]] and parents. His singing style, a rich baritone, followed in the tradition of his idol, Bing Crosby. Preferring to carry on in the Crosby tradition, he soon began turning more and more to ballads. Some of his biggest hits included "Love Letters in the Sand" (with the instrumental break featuring Boone's whistling), "April Love", "Friendly Persuasion (Thee I Love)", and "Don't Forbid Me".
His teen idol popularity in the late 1950s was second only to that of Elvis Presley, and, like Presley, he soon tried his hand at acting. Boone's pictures included 1960's Journey to the Center of the Earth alongside Hollywood notable James Mason.
His recording of the theme song from the 1957 film April Love topped the charts for six weeks and was nominated for an Academy Award. Pat also wrote the theme song for the movie Exodus.
A devout born-again Christian, he was raised in the conservative Church of Christ, but has been a member of a Pentecostal church for more than thirty years. Boone has refused both songs and movie roles that he felt might compromise his standards, including a role opposite the decade's reigning sex symbol, Marilyn Monroe. Among his other achievements, he hosted a TV series in the late 1950s and began writing in the early 1960s, a series of self-help books for adolescents, including Twixt Twelve and Twenty.
The British Invasion effectively ended Boone's career as a hitmaker, though he continued recording throughout the 1960s. In the 1970s, he switched to gospel and country, and he continued performing in other media as well, most importantly radio. He is currently working as the disc jockey of a popular oldies radio show and runs his own record company which provides a much-welcomed outlet for new recordings by 1950s greats who can no longer find a place with the major labels.
Boone married Shirley Lee Foley, daughter of country music great Red Foley and singer Judy Martin, in 1953 and they had four daughters: Cherry, Lindy, Debby, and Laury. In the 1960s and 1970s the Boone family toured as gospel singers and made gospel albums, such as The Pat Boone Family and The Family Who Prays.
In the early 1990s, Boone joined Amway and spoke at many motivational seminars. He was also a distributor. He never reached the coveted Amway rank of Diamond.
In 1997, Boone released In a Metal Mood: No More Mr. Nice Guy, a collection of heavy metal covers revamped to fit his style. To promote the album, he appeared at the American Music Awards in black leather, shocking audiences and losing his respectability among his largest constituency, conservative Christians. He was then fired from Gospel America, a TV show on the Trinity Broadcasting Network. About a year later, the controversy died down and many fans, including Jack Hayford, accepted his explanation of the leather outfit being a "parody of himself". He was re-hired by Trinity Broadcasting and Gospel America was brought back.
In 2003, the Gospel Music Association of Nashville, Tennessee recognized his gospel recording work by inducting him into its Gospel Music Hall of Fame.
Boone and his wife live in Los Angeles, California. They are members of The Church on the Way in Los Angeles's San Fernando Valley. His one-time neighbor was Ozzy Osbourne and his family. Boone's cover of Osborne's song "Crazy Train" became the theme song for The Osbornes. (It appears on The Osbornes Soundrack.) Osborne said that Boone "never complained once" about living next door to his less-than-traditional family.
Boone once claimed to use his own surname in lieu of curse words when upset.
In 2006, Boone penned an article for WorldNetDaily in which he argued that Democrats and others who are against the Iraq War cannot, under any circumstances, be considered patriotic. He also recently was interviewed by Neil Cavuto on Fox News, where he expressed his outrage against the opponents of George W. Bush (namely the Dixie Chicks) that their criticisms of the President showed they did not "respect their elders". Another article defended Mel Gibson after the actor was recorded making an anti-Semitic rant. Despite their differing political views, Pat Boone is friends with the Reverend Jesse Jackson.
A Wonderful Time up There
Pat Boone Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Everybody's gonna be a-singin' that story
Everybody's gonna have a wonderful time up there
Oh, glory hallelujah
Brother, there's a reckonin' a-comin' in the mornin'
Better get ready 'cause I'm givin' you the warnin'
Everybody's gonna have a wonderful time up there
The Lord is the only one to carry you through
Ya better get ready 'cause I'm tellin' ya why
The Lord is a-comin' from his throne on high
Goin' down the valley, goin' one by one
We're gonna be rewarded for the things we've done
How ya gonna feel about the things you'll say
On that judgment day?
Well-a, well-a, well-a
Well, now, everybody's gonna have religion and glory
Everybody's gonna be a-singin' that story
Everybody's gonna have a wonderful time up there
Oh, glory hallelujah
Brother, there's a reckonin' a-comin' in the mornin'
Better get ready 'cause I'm givin' you the warnin'
Everybody's gonna have a wonderful time up there
Now ya get your Holy Bible in the back of the book
The book of Revelations is the place ya look
If you understand it and you can if you try
The Lord is a-comin' from his throne on high
A-readin' in the Bible 'bout the things he said
He said he's comin' back again to raise the dead
Are ya gonna be among the chosen few?
Or will you make it through?
Well-a, well-a, well-a
Everybody's gonna have religion and glory
Everybody's gonna be a-singin' that story
Everybody's gonna have a wonderful time up there
Oh, glory hallelujah
Brother, there's a reckonin' comin' in the mornin'
Better get ready 'cause I'm givin' you the warnin'
Everybody's gonna have a wonderful time up there
Well-a, well-a, well-a
Everybody's gonna have religion and glory
Everybody's gonna be a-singin' that story
Everybody's gonna have a wonderful time up there
Oh, glory hallelujah
Brother, there's a reckonin' a-comin' in the mornin'
Better get ready 'cause I'm givin' you the warnin'
Everybody's gonna have a wonderful time up there
The song A Wonderful Time up There by Pat Boone is a gospel infused track that preaches about the coming judgement day and the rewards that await those who follow the Lord. Boone begins by painting an image of the glory and religion that will be present when that day comes, and that everyone will be singing and celebrating together. He then gives a warning to the listeners that there is a reckoning coming in the morning, and they better get ready. This is followed by a call to read the book of Revelations in the Bible and a reminder that the Lord will be coming down from his throne on high. Boone concludes by reminding us that on judgement day, we will be rewarded based on the things we have done, and that we should strive to be among the chosen few.
The lyrics of A Wonderful Time up There leave no room for interpretation. Boone is urging the listeners to take their faith seriously and be prepared for the coming day of judgement. He wants us to understand that we will be rewarded based on our actions and that there is no escaping the reckoning that is to come. The song is a call to action, urging people to get their lives in order and strive to be among the chosen few who will be celebrating in glory.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, now, everybody's gonna have religion and glory
Everyone will attain spiritual fulfillment and praise
Everybody's gonna be a-singin' that story
Everyone will be rejoicing and sharing their individual testimonies
Everybody's gonna have a wonderful time up there
Everyone will experience pure bliss and euphoria in heaven
Oh, glory hallelujah
Expressing joyous praise and gratitude to God
Brother, there's a reckonin' a-comin' in the mornin'
There will be a final judgment day when everyone will face their actions
Better get ready 'cause I'm givin' you the warnin'
Prepare yourself for the coming divine judgment
Now listen, everybody 'cause I'm talkin' to you
Pay attention as the message is directed towards everyone
The Lord is the only one to carry you through
God is the only one who can guide and support you
Ya better get ready 'cause I'm tellin' ya why
The artist urges everyone to prepare themselves for judgment day
The Lord is a-comin' from his throne on high
God will arrive from his divine abode
Goin' down the valley, goin' one by one
Everyone will face their own judgment
We're gonna be rewarded for the things we've done
Your actions will determine your afterlife reward
How ya gonna feel about the things you'll say
You will be accountable for your words and deeds
On that judgment day?
When everyone faces their divine judgment
Now ya get your Holy Bible in the back of the book
Read the last book of the Bible, known as Revelations
The book of Revelations is the place ya look
This book reveals information about the end of the world
If you understand it and you can if you try
With effort, you can comprehend the messages in the book
A-readin' in the Bible 'bout the things he said
Reading the Bible to understand Jesus Christ's teachings
He said he's comin' back again to raise the dead
Jesus Christ will return to resurrect the dead
Are ya gonna be among the chosen few?
Will you be one of the few selected for eternal life in heaven?
Or will you make it through?
Will you pass divine judgment and reach heaven?
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Lee Roy Abernathy
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Alexandra Alberti
Everybody’s Gonna Have a Wonderful Time Up There
Well, now, everybody's gonna have religion and glory
Everybody's gonna be a-singin' that story
Everybody's gonna have a wonderful time up there
Oh, glory hallelujah
Brother, there's a reckonin' a-comin' in the mornin'
Better get ready 'cause I'm givin' you the warnin'
Everybody's gonna have a wonderful time up there
Now listen, everybody 'cause I'm talkin' to you
The Lord is the only one to carry you through
Ya better get ready 'cause I'm tellin' ya why
The Lord is a-comin' from his throne on high
Goin' down the valley, goin' one by one
We're gonna be rewarded for the things we've done
How ya gonna feel about the things you'll say on that judgment day?
Well-a, well-a, well-a
Well, now, everybody's gonna have religion and glory
Everybody's gonna be a-singin' that story
Everybody's gonna have a wonderful time up there
Oh, glory hallelujah
Brother, there's a reckonin' a-comin' in the mornin'
Better get ready 'cause I'm givin' you the warnin'
Everybody's gonna have a wonderful time up there
Now ya get your Holy Bible in the back of the book
The book of Revelations is the place ya look
If you understand it and you can if you try
The Lord is a-comin' from his throne on high
a-readin' in the Bible 'bout the things he said
He said he's comin' back again to raise the dead
Are ya gonna be among the chosen few?
Or will you make it through?
Well-a, well-a, well-a
Everybody's gonna have religion and glory
Everybody's gonna be a-singin' that story
Everybody's gonna have a wonderful time up there
Oh, glory hallelujah
Brother, there's a reckon
sauquoit13456
On this day in 1958 {May 16th} "A Wonderful Time Up There"* by Pat Boone peaked at #2 {for 1 week} on the United Kingdom's National Music Express chart, for the week it was at #2, the #1 record for that week was "Who's Sorry Now" by Connie Francis...
Between 1955 and 1962 the Jacksonville, Florida native had twenty seven records on the U.K. Singles chart, twelve made the Top 10 with one reaching #1, "I'll Be Home", for five weeks in June of 1956...
Patrick Charles Eugene Boone will celebrate his 86th birthday in two weeks on June 1st, 2020...
* Besides the above "A Wonderful Time Up There", he had three other records peak at #2 on the .K. Singles chart, "Don't Forbid Me" for five weeks in March of 1957, "Love Letter In The Sands" for seven non-consecutive weeks in August of 1957, and "Speedy Gonzales" for four weeks in August of 1962...
And from the 'For What It's Worth' department, the remainder of the U.K.'s Top 10 on May 16th, 1958:
At #3. "Whole Lotta Woman" by Marvin Rainwater
#4. "Lollipop" by The Mudlarks
#5. "Wear My Ring Around Your Neck" by Elvis Presley
#6. "Tom Hark" by Elias and His Zigzag Flutes
#7. "The Grand Coolie Dam" by Lonnie Donegan
#8. "Swingin' Sheppard Blues" by Ted Heath and His Music
#9. "Lollipop" by The Chordettes
#10. "It's Too Soon To Know" by Pat Boone
spurnthemuse
At least you should care about the ones that are true. I think you have gotten stuck on the vocabulary.
What does it mean to "be in glory"? What is glory? The phrase has a meanin. See what I mean? It's too hard for you. Then you gave up. You should find out what it means. Why should you? Because how much do you want to suffer or not suffer? Not what folks say, but by seein it for yourself.
Is it true that all of those who will be in Glory will have religion at that time? It is possible for you to know this, if the Almighty One shows it to you.
Is a reckonin comin? [for example 9-11, tornados, earthquakes, tsunamis, AIDS]
Would you benefit by gettin ready? Is there any other to carry you through the times of temptation other than the Mighty one of Israel?
Lord has already come from his throne on high in 1971 and has been "raisin the dead" not from the earth but from a life of unconsciousness and mass hypnosis.
Are we goin to be rewarded for the things we've done? (Of course "the valley" is a metaphor).
How ARE you goin to feel, about the thins that he will say?
Can you understand the Book of the Revelation if you try?
Are you goin to be amon the chosen few?
Rahul Banerjee
Well, now, everybody's gonna have religion and glory
Everybody's gonna be a-singin' that story
Everybody's gonna have a wonderful time up there
Oh, glory hallelujah
Brother, there's a reckonin' a-comin' in the mornin'
Better get ready 'cause I'm givin' you the warnin'
Everybody's gonna have a wonderful time up there
Now listen, everybody 'cause I'm talkin' to you
The Lord is the only one to carry you through
Ya better get ready 'cause I'm tellin' ya why
The Lord is a-comin' from his throne on high
Goin' down the valley, goin' one by one
We're gonna be rewarded for the things we've done
How ya gonna feel about the things you'll say on that judgment day?
Well-a, well-a, well-a
Well, now, everybody's gonna have religion and glory
Everybody's gonna be a-singin' that story
Everybody's gonna have a wonderful time up there
Oh, glory hallelujah
Brother, there's a reckonin' a-comin' in the mornin'
Better get ready 'cause I'm givin' you the warnin'
Everybody's gonna have a wonderful time up there
Now ya get your Holy Bible in the back of the book
The book of Revelations is the place ya look
If you understand it and you can if you try
The Lord is a-comin' from his throne on high
A-readin' in the Bible 'bout the things he said
He said he's comin' back again to raise the dead
Are ya gonna be among the chosen few?
Or will you make it through?
Well-a, well-a, well-a
Everybody's gonna have religion and glory
Everybody's gonna be a-singin' that story
Everybody's gonna have a wonderful time up there
Oh, glory hallelujah
Brother, there's a reckonin' comin' in the mornin'
Better get ready 'cause I'm givin' you the warnin'
Everybody's gonna have a wonderful time up there
Well-a, well-a, well-a
Everybody's gonna have religion and glory
Everybody's gonna be a-singin' that story
Everybody's gonna have a wonderful time up there
Oh, glory hallelujah
Brother, there's a reckonin' a-comin' in the mornin'
Better get ready 'cause I'm givin' you the warnin'
Everybody's gonna have a wonderful time up there
Kelly Hughart
I'm a born-again, Bible-believing, Christian woman, and this song makes me smile!
inTruthbyGrace
me too!
Nicole Mya
This was played at the end of my grandpas funeral to make everyone feel a bit happier ❤️
James Brent
Pat has always been one class act. This is one of his best songs ever.
Rory Jones
This was played 4 years ago today as my mom went to heaven. Couldnt have picked a better song. My mom sooooo loved Pat ❤❤
northern moose
One of my favorite Pat Boone songs.
Alexandra Alberti
Everybody’s Gonna Have a Wonderful Time Up There
Well, now, everybody's gonna have religion and glory
Everybody's gonna be a-singin' that story
Everybody's gonna have a wonderful time up there
Oh, glory hallelujah
Brother, there's a reckonin' a-comin' in the mornin'
Better get ready 'cause I'm givin' you the warnin'
Everybody's gonna have a wonderful time up there
Now listen, everybody 'cause I'm talkin' to you
The Lord is the only one to carry you through
Ya better get ready 'cause I'm tellin' ya why
The Lord is a-comin' from his throne on high
Goin' down the valley, goin' one by one
We're gonna be rewarded for the things we've done
How ya gonna feel about the things you'll say on that judgment day?
Well-a, well-a, well-a
Well, now, everybody's gonna have religion and glory
Everybody's gonna be a-singin' that story
Everybody's gonna have a wonderful time up there
Oh, glory hallelujah
Brother, there's a reckonin' a-comin' in the mornin'
Better get ready 'cause I'm givin' you the warnin'
Everybody's gonna have a wonderful time up there
Now ya get your Holy Bible in the back of the book
The book of Revelations is the place ya look
If you understand it and you can if you try
The Lord is a-comin' from his throne on high
a-readin' in the Bible 'bout the things he said
He said he's comin' back again to raise the dead
Are ya gonna be among the chosen few?
Or will you make it through?
Well-a, well-a, well-a
Everybody's gonna have religion and glory
Everybody's gonna be a-singin' that story
Everybody's gonna have a wonderful time up there
Oh, glory hallelujah
Brother, there's a reckon
Peter Connolly
This was one of my dads favourite songs. I hope he’s up there having a wonderful time....
Julie Smith
This is a great song and I am sure your dad is having a wonderful time up there so sorry for your loss
colkid Glen
We sang this in our school in the 50's, then Pat this great hit. I didn't realize it got to #2 & 4 on the charts.