The Heartbreaking Story Behind Vince Gill’s “Go Rest High On That Mountain”
Vince Gill released “Go Rest High on That Mountain” in 1995. Now, 30 years later, he’s sharing a new version of the song with a third verse that fans have only ever heard live.
“Go Rest High on That Mountain” is a beautiful song born from unbearable pain. Gill started writing the track after country singer Keith Whitley died in 1989.
But the song remained unfinished until Gill suffered a deeply personal loss. His older brother, Bob Coen, died after suffering a heart attack in 1993. Following his brother’s death, Gill finished writing “Go Rest High,” and released it two years later.
“Go Rest High” had a profound impact on all who heard it. It was named the Best Country Song at the 38th Grammy Awards, and Gill also won Best Male Country Vocal Performance.
Gill often performs “Go Rest High” in tribute to other artists who’ve passed away. One of his most emotional performances came during George Jones’ funeral service at the Grand Ole Opry House in 2013. He was too choked up to sing at times, opting instead to focus on playing his guitar.
Gill was joined onstage by his longtime friend, Patty Loveless, who sang backing vocals during the tribute to Jones. Loveless also sang backing vocals on the recorded version of “Go Rest High” alongside Ricky Skaggs.
Did You Know That “Go Rest High On That Mountain” Has A Third Verse?
Not many people know this, but “Go Rest High” has a “hidden” third verse. This verse isn’t included in Gill’s original recording—because he added it to the song over two decades later.
Speaking during a performance in 2019 about his decision to add a third verse, Gill said:
“In all these years of singing that song, truthfully, it felt just the slightest bit incomplete to me. I always thought it needed to tie itself up in some way.”
The new lyrics speak about faith and redemption, as Gill sings:
“You’re safely home in the arms of Jesus / Eternal life, my brother’s found / The day will come, I know I’ll see him / In that sacred place, on that holy ground.”
Previously, the third verse of “Go Rest High” could only be heard during Gill’s live performances. But now, anyone from anywhere in the world can hear the third verse in a newly released recording.
Vince Gill Releases New Rendition Of “Go Rest High” For Its 30th Anniversary
On September 12, Gill announced the release of an “extended version” of “Go Rest High on That Mountain” in honor of its 30th anniversary this year (2025). A post on his official social media pages reads:
“30 years ago, Vince Gill released ‘Go Rest High On That Mountain.’ Today, he released the extended version with the third verse you’ve only been able to hear live… until now.”
We’ll likely hear Gill sing the extended version of “Go Rest High” at the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards on Sunday (September 14). He and Lainey Wilson will perform the song during the ceremony’s “In Memoriam” segment.
In the meantime, you can listen to the extended version of Vince Gill’s “Go Rest High on That Mountain” in the video below.
