Introduction:
“Chiseled in Stone” is one of Vern Gosdin’s most impactful songs, capturing the profound sorrow of loss and the irreplaceable nature of human connection. Released in 1988 as the title track of his album Chiseled in Stone, the song was co-written by Gosdin and Max D. Barnes. Known for his rich, emotive voice, Gosdin, often called “The Voice” of country music, channeled his own experiences and emotions into this song, which has become a quintessential country ballad. “Chiseled in Stone” quickly resonated with audiences and became a defining moment in Gosdin’s career, earning the 1989 Country Music Association’s Song of the Year award, a testament to its raw emotional depth and impact on listeners.
The song’s narrative follows a man who, struggling with personal heartbreak, encounters an older man who shares his tragic story, reminding the younger man of the importance of cherishing loved ones before it’s too late. The phrase “chiseled in stone” symbolizes the permanence of loss, particularly through the imagery of a loved one’s name on a tombstone. This poignant storyline, combined with Gosdin’s powerful delivery, underscores the theme of appreciating life’s precious moments.
Musically, “Chiseled in Stone” employs traditional country instrumentation, with a haunting steel guitar and a slow, somber tempo that amplifies its reflective tone. It remains a beloved piece in country music, celebrated for its honest portrayal of grief and the lessons that life can impart through hardship and regret. Gosdin’s performance has been lauded for its authenticity, and the song continues to be a source of comfort and reflection for those who have experienced similar losses.
Video:
Lyrics:
“Chiseled In Stone”
I ran off to the bar
Another piece of heaven gone to hell
The words we spoke in anger
Just tore my world apart
And I sat there feeling sorry for myself
Then that old man sat down beside me
And looked me in the eye
And said “Son, I know what you’re going through
You ought to get down on your knees
And thank your lucky stars that you got someone to go home to”
You don’t know about lonely
Or how long nights can be
Till you lived through the story
That’s still livin’ in me
And you don’t know about sadness
Till you faced life alone
You don’t know about lonely
Till it’s chiseled in stone
So I brought these pretty flowers
Hoping you would understand
Sometimes a man is such a fool
Those golden words of wisdom
From the heart of that old man
Showed me I ain’t nothing without you
You don’t know about lonely
Or how long nights can be
Till you lived through the story
That old man just told me
And you don’t know about sadness
Till you faced life alone
You don’t know about lonely
Till it’s chiseled in stone
You don’t know about lonely
Till it’s chiseled in stone