About the song
“When I Get Where I’m Going” is a poignant country ballad written by George Teren and Rivers Rutherford, performed by Brad Paisley and featuring harmony vocals from the legendary Dolly Parton. Released in October 2005 as the second single from Paisley’s album “Time Well Wasted,” this song marked a significant milestone in both artists’ careers, with Parton achieving her 25th Billboard No. 1 and Paisley adding another successful hit to his repertoire.
The song’s heartfelt lyrics explore themes of mortality, faith, and reunion in the afterlife, reflecting on the journey towards a heavenly destination where loved ones await. It resonates deeply with listeners through its sincere portrayal of life’s fleeting moments and the hope of a joyful reunion beyond this earthly realm.
In the music video directed by Jim Shea, Paisley is seen performing amidst a serene forest backdrop, interspersed with touching home movie footage of himself with his grandfather, Warren L. Jarvis, and aunt Rita Takach. The video’s extended version includes poignant scenes of various individuals holding photographs of deceased loved ones, including notable figures like Michael Reagan with his father Ronald Reagan, Teresa Earnhardt with her husband Dale Earnhardt, and John Carter Cash with his parents Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash. These visuals add a personal and universal dimension to the song’s themes, emphasizing the emotional depth of loss and the enduring bonds of memory.
Critically, the song received mixed reviews. Kevin John Coyne of Country Universe offered a critical view, suggesting Parton’s contribution carried the song while criticizing Paisley’s delivery. Conversely, Dan MacIntosh of Country Standard Time praised the song as an uplifting and inspirational anthem, highlighting its emotional resonance and powerful message of hope.
Overall, “When I Get Where I’m Going” stands as a testament to the ability of country music to convey profound emotions and universal truths. Its success not only on the charts but also in touching the hearts of listeners underscores its enduring impact as a poignant reflection on life, loss, and the promise of reunion in the beyond.
Video
Lyrics
When I get where I’m going
On the far side of the sky
The first thing that I’m gonna do
Is spread my wings and fly
I’m gonna land beside a lion
And run my fingers through his mane
Or I might find out what it’s like
To ride a drop of rain
Yeah, when I get where I’m going
Well, there’ll be only happy tears
I will shed the sins and struggles
I have carried all these years
And I’ll leave my heart wide open
I will love and have no fear
Yeah, when I get where I’m going
Don’t cry for me down here
I’m gonna walk with my grandaddy
And he’ll match me step for step
And I’ll tell him how I’ve missed him
Every minute since he left
And then I’ll hug his neck
Yeah, when I get where I’m going
There’ll be only happy tears
I will shed the sins and struggles
I have carried all these years
And I’ll leave my heart wide open
I will love and have no fear
Yeah, when I get where I’m going
Don’t cry for me down here
So much pain and so much darkness
In this world we stumble through
All these questions I can’t answer
And so much work to do
But when I get where I’m going
And I see my Maker’s face
I’ll stand forever in the light
Of His amazing grace
Yeah, when I get where I’m going
Oh, when I get where I’m going
There’ll be only happy tears
Hallelujah
I will love and have no fear
(Ah-woo) when I get where I’m going
Yeah, when I get where I’m going