Introduction:
George Jones, the undisputed king of heartache in country music, delivered a hopeful message in 1965 with the gospel song “How Beautiful Heaven Must Be”. This traditional hymn, a staple in Southern Baptist churches, found new life through Jones’ powerful vocals and poignant delivery.
Jones, known for his rough-hewn baritone and songs drenched in themes of lost love and hard living, had already established himself as a country music icon by the mid-1960s. His signature honky-tonk style, characterized by prominent steel guitar and a driving rhythm section, resonated deeply with working-class audiences. However, “How Beautiful Heaven Must Be” marked a departure from his usual repertoire.
The song, written by A.P. Bland and A.S. Bridgewater, paints a vivid picture of the afterlife. The lyrics describe pearly gates, golden streets, and a crystal river, all bathed in everlasting light. While the imagery is simple, it evokes a sense of peace and serenity that stands in stark contrast to the emotional turmoil often portrayed in Jones’ songs.
Produced by Billy Sherrill, a key figure in shaping the “Nashville Sound” of the 1960s, the recording of “How Beautiful Heaven Must Be” is spare yet impactful. Jones’ voice takes center stage, backed by a simple arrangement featuring piano, acoustic guitar, and a understated pedal steel. His phrasing, imbued with a lifetime of experience and a touch of melancholy, adds depth to the optimistic lyrics.
“How Beautiful Heaven Must Be” was a critical and commercial success. It reached number two on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, becoming one of Jones’ highest-charting singles of the decade. The song resonated with fans who saw it as a testament to Jones’ own faith and a beacon of hope in a sometimes-troubled world.
“How Beautiful Heaven Must Be” became a signature song for Jones, often performed during his live shows. It also secured his place as an artist with a wide-ranging repertoire, capable of delivering both heart-wrenching ballads and uplifting gospel numbers. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its simple message of faith and the power of Jones’ unparalleled voice.
Video:
Lyrics:
We read of a place that’s called heaven,It’s made for the pure and the free;These truths in God’s word He has given,How beautiful heaven must be.
How beautiful heaven must beSweet home of the happy and free;Fair haven of rest for the weary,How beautiful heaven must be.
In heaven no drooping nor pining,No wishing for elsewhere to be;God’s light is forever, there shining,How beautiful heaven must be.
How beautiful heaven must beSweet home of the happy and free;Fair haven of rest for the weary,How beautiful heaven must be.
The angels so sweetly are singing,Up there by the beautiful sea;Sweet chords from their gold harps are ringing,How beautiful heaven must be.
How beautiful heaven must beSweet home of the happy and free;Fair haven of rest for the weary,How beautiful heaven must be