Few country songs carry the emotional weight and timeless beauty of Vince Gill’s “Go Rest High on That Mountain.” What began as an unfinished tribute in the late 1980s has become one of the most powerful ballads in country music history—an anthem of love, loss, and healing that continues to touch millions of hearts worldwide.
The Pain Behind the Song’s Creation
Vince Gill started writing “Go Rest High on That Mountain” in 1989, shortly after the tragic death of fellow country star Keith Whitley. Grief-stricken, Gill put his emotions into words, but the song remained incomplete.
It wasn’t until 1993, when Gill’s own brother Bob passed away, that he found the strength to finish it. The result was a deeply personal ballad that spoke not only to Gill’s heartbreak but also to the universal pain of losing someone you love.
Release and Lasting Impact
The song was officially released as a single on August 28, 1995, and quickly became one of Gill’s most iconic works. Despite its popularity, Gill himself often felt it wasn’t entirely complete—he believed the song was still missing a crucial third verse.
Over the years, “Go Rest High on That Mountain” has been performed at countless funerals and memorial services, offering solace to those grieving. Its soaring melody and heartfelt lyrics turned it into more than just a hit—it became a source of comfort and healing.
The song’s impact was recognized with widespread acclaim, and it has since been certified double platinum by the RIAA, a testament to its enduring place in country music history.
The Long-Awaited Third Verse
For decades, fans believed the song was finished as they knew it. But in 2019, Vince Gill surprised audiences when he performed a version of “Go Rest High on That Mountain” that included the long-rumored third verse. At the time, it was only heard live, leaving listeners yearning for an official release.
That wish was finally granted. On September 12, 2025, Gill released an extended version of the beloved ballad, complete with the missing third verse. For many, this marked the song’s true completion—an emotional closure not only for Gill but for generations of fans who had carried the song through their own moments of grief.
A Legacy of Healing Through Music
More than 30 years since its first performance, “Go Rest High on That Mountain” remains one of the most enduring country ballads ever written. Its journey—from the heartbreak of Keith Whitley’s death, through Gill’s personal loss of his brother, to the long-awaited release of its extended version—mirrors the ongoing nature of grief and healing.
Today, the extended version is available on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Music, and all major streaming platforms, allowing both longtime fans and new listeners to experience the song in its most complete and powerful form.
Why This Song Still Matters
Songs like “Go Rest High on That Mountain” remind us that grief doesn’t fade with time—it evolves. Vince Gill’s decision to finally release the third verse proves that healing is a lifelong journey, and music can be one of the most powerful companions along the way.
Whether you first heard it in 1995, at a loved one’s memorial, or today on streaming platforms, the message remains the same: love endures, memories live on, and music helps us carry the weight of loss.
✨ Listen to the extended version of Vince Gill’s “Go Rest High on That Mountain” today and experience the song in the way it was always meant to be heard.