Introduction:
Released in 1988, “Chiseled In Stone” stands as a landmark song in the career of Country Music legend Vern Gosdin. This poignant ballad, the title track from Gosdin’s tenth studio album, not only became a top-ten hit on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart, peaking at number #6, but also garnered him critical acclaim, winning the coveted Country Music Association’s Song of the Year award in 1989.
Gosdin, known for his smooth baritone and his ability to deliver heartfelt emotion in his singing, co-wrote “Chiseled In Stone” with songwriter Max D. Barnes. The song’s production was overseen by veteran music industry figure Bob Akin, who had previously worked with artists like Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson. Akin’s production choices enhance the emotional weight of the song, employing a classic Country Music arrangement featuring steel guitar, fiddle, and backing vocals that complement Gosdin’s lead vocal performance.
“Chiseled In Stone” explores the theme of regret within a romantic relationship. The song opens with a portrayal of a couple on the brink of collapse. A heated argument erupts, driving a wedge between them. The narrator, filled with self-pity, drowns his sorrows at a bar. There, he encounters a wise old man who dispenses a powerful dose of reality. The old man shares his own story of profound loneliness, a stark contrast to the narrator’s current situation. This encounter serves as a wake-up call for the narrator, who comes to understand the true value of the love he almost threw away.
“Chiseled In Stone” resonates with listeners due to its exploration of universal themes. The song reminds us that even during moments of anger and frustration, the bonds of love are worth fighting for. The wisdom of the old man serves as a potent reminder that loneliness is a far harsher reality than temporary conflict within a relationship. Gosdin’s masterful delivery of the song’s lyrics, coupled with the evocative production, creates a listening experience that is both emotionally affecting and thought-provoking.
“Chiseled In Stone” cemented Vern Gosdin’s status as a Country Music icon. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its ability to connect with listeners on a deeply personal level. It remains a staple of Country Radio playlists and a cherished track for fans of traditional Country Music.
Video:
Lyrics:
You ran cryin’ to the bedroomI ran off to the barAnother piece of heaven gone to hellThe words we spoke in angerJust tore my world apartAnd I sat there feelin’ sorry for myselfThen an old man sat down beside meAnd looked me in the eyeHe said, “Son, I know what you’re goin’ throughYou ought to get down on your kneesAnd thank your lucky starsThat you’ve got someone to go home to
You don’t know about lonelyOr how long nights can beTill you’ve lived through the storyThat’s still livin’ in meYou don’t know about sadnessTill you’ve faced life aloneYou don’t know about lonelyTill it’s chiseled in stone”
So I brought these pretty flowersHoping you would understandSometimes a man is such a foolThose golden words of wisdomFrom the heart of that old manShowed me I ain’t nothin’ without you
You don’t know about lonelyOr how long nights can beTill you’ve lived through the storyThat old man just told meAnd you don’t know about sadnessTill you’ve faced life aloneYou don’t know about lonelyTill it’s chiseled in stoneYou don’t know about lonelyTill it’s chiseled in stone