About the song
“He Walked on Water,” a poignant ballad penned by Allen Shamblin and recorded by Randy Travis, stands as a testament to the enduring impact of familial influence and admiration. Released in April 1990 as the third single from Travis’s album “No Holdin’ Back,” the song resonates with heartfelt nostalgia and reverence for a grandfather figure who left an indelible mark on the narrator’s life.
The song’s narrative unfolds through the lens of a childhood spent idolizing the narrator’s great-grandfather, a former cowboy whose legacy looms large in memory. Allen Shamblin, inspired by his own maternal great-grandfather, crafted the lyrics to evoke a sense of admiration and respect for a bygone era and a way of life shaped by hard work and wisdom passed down through generations. Randy Travis, upon hearing the song, resonated deeply with its themes, reflecting on his personal connection to his own grandfather.
Musically, “He Walked on Water” is set in D major, maintaining a moderate tempo that complements the reflective nature of the lyrics. The chord progression of D-G-D-A-D-G-D-A-D underscores the song’s melodic simplicity, allowing Travis’s warm baritone to convey the emotional depth of the story with sincerity and grace.
The song’s impact was not only felt through its lyrical content but also through its visual representation in a music video. Filmed on the front porch of Travis’s own house, the video captures the essence of familial bonds and cherished memories, earning a nomination for Video of the Year at the 1991 TNN Music City News Country Awards.
Critically, “He Walked on Water” garnered praise for its heartfelt storytelling and Travis’s emotive delivery. Kimmy Wix of Cash Box magazine lauded the song’s detailed lyrics, noting its universal appeal and Travis’s ability to connect with audiences through his performance. Despite some mixed reviews, particularly regarding its commercial impact, the song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its emotional resonance and Travis’s enduring influence in country music.
In a testament to its enduring legacy, Randy Travis revisited “He Walked on Water” in 2012, recording a poignant duet version with Kenny Chesney for the compilation album “Anniversary Celebration,” further solidifying the song’s place in the hearts of fans and the annals of country music history.
Video
https://youtu.be/eCVw8Qjeg84
Lyrics
He wore starched white shirts buttoned at the neck
And he’d sit in the shade and watch the chickens peck
And his teeth were gone, but what the heck
I thought that he walked on water
Said he was a cowboy when he was young
He could handle a rope and he was good with a gun
And my mama’s daddy was his oldest son
And I thought that he walked on water
And if the story was told, only heaven knows
But his hat seemed to me like an old halo
And though his wings, they were never seen
I thought that he walked on water
Well, he tied a cord to the end of a mop
And said, “Son, here’s a pony, keep her at a trot”
And I’d ride in circles while he laughed a lot
Then I’d flop down beside him
And he was ninety years old in ’63
And I loved him and he loved me
And Lord, I cried the day he died
‘Cause I thought that he walked on water
But if the story was told, only heaven knows
But his hat seemed to me like an old halo
And though his wings, they were never seen
I thought that he walked on water
Yeah, I thought that he walked on water