Introduction:
“Chiseled in Stone,” a poignant country ballad, was co-written and recorded by American country music artist Vern Gosdin. Released in August 1988 as the title track from his album of the same name, the song climbed to #6 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart.
Penned by Gosdin and Max D. Barnes, “Chiseled in Stone” tells the story of a young man embroiled in a domestic dispute who seeks solace in a bar. There, he encounters an older man who imparts a profound lesson about the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing loved ones. The older man reveals that his wife has passed away, leaving him with a profound sense of loneliness and regret.
The song’s chorus, “You don’t know about lonely/ Or how long nights can be/ ‘Til you’ve lived through the story/ That’s still livin’ in me,” serves as a poignant reminder of the ephemeral nature of life and the enduring impact of loss. The title itself, “Chiseled in Stone,” symbolizes the permanence of death and the indelible mark it leaves on the human heart.
“Chiseled in Stone” resonated deeply with audiences, becoming a signature song for Vern Gosdin and solidifying his place as a master storyteller in country music. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless message of love, loss, and the importance of cherishing every moment.
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