Going Up Home to Live in Green Pastures
Ralph Stanley Lyrics


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Troubles and trials often betray those
causing the weary body to stray.
But we shall walk beside the still water
with the good shepard leading the way.

where we shall live and die never more.
Even the Lord will be in that number
when we have reached that heavenly shore.

Those who have strayed were sought by the master
He who once gave his life for the sheep.
Out on a mountain still He is searching
bringing them in forever to keep.

where we shall live and die never more.
Even the Lord will be in that number
when we have reached that heavenly shore.

We will not heed the voice of the stranger
for he would lead us home to despair.
Following home with Jesus our savior
we shall all reach that country so fair.

where we shall live and die never more.




Even the Lord will be in that number
when we have reached that heavenly shore.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics in Ralph Stanley's song "Going Up Home to Live in Green Pastures" speak of the struggles and trials of life that can cause our weary bodies to stray from the path. However, the good shepherd will be there to lead us to still waters and the heavenly shore where we shall never experience pain or death. The songwriter describes how those who have strayed will be sought out by the master and brought in forever to keep. This speaks of the hope that, no matter how far we may have strayed, there is always a chance for redemption and a place in heaven.


The song also mentions the importance of not heeding the voice of the stranger who would lead us home to despair. Instead, we must follow Jesus our savior, who will lead us to a fair and beautiful country. This highlights the message of the song, which is to stay strong and faithful, even when times get tough, because there is a better place waiting for us in the end.


Line by Line Meaning

Troubles and trials often betray those
Difficulties and tribulations often deceive and disillusion people


causing the weary body to stray.
Making them lose their strength and wander off the right path


But we shall walk beside the still water
However, we will have the chance to take a peaceful walk by calm waterside


with the good shepard leading the way.
Guided by a shepherd who will protect us and show us the right way forward


where we shall live and die never more.
A place where we will live blissfully and never have to experience death anymore


Even the Lord will be in that number
God himself will be among us in that place


when we have reached that heavenly shore.
Once we have reached that divine destination


Those who have strayed were sought by the master
Those who went astray had been looked for by the knowledgeable one


He who once gave his life for the sheep.
Jesus, who in the past sacrificed himself for his followers


Out on a mountain still He is searching
Still looking for lost followers in the mountain


bringing them in forever to keep.
Bringing them back and ensuring they are never lost again


We will not heed the voice of the stranger
We will not follow the advice of outsiders


for he would lead us home to despair.
Because that would lead us to a place of hopelessness


Following home with Jesus our savior
Instead, we will follow our savior Jesus to our true home


we shall all reach that country so fair.
Arriving together to that beautiful country




Writer(s): Avril Gearheart, Ralph Stanley Copyright: Fort Knox Music Inc.

Contributed by Xavier M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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