Three Wooden Crosses

Album: Rise and Shine (2002)
Charted: 31
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Written by Nashville songwriters Kim Williams and Doug Johnson, this narrative number about the redemption of a prostitute was the 2003 Country Music Association Song of the Year.
  • The song was released on the inspirational record label Word Records, and it became the first Christian label release to reach #1 on the Billboard Country Singles chart. It was Travis' 16th #1 single in total, and his first since "Whisper My Name" in 1994. It was also Travis' highest charting single to date on the Hot 100.
  • The story recounted in this song is symbolic of Travis' own conversion. He explained to Christian Music Today: "I came from a background that was heavy with drugs and alcohol and arrests. I've heard people speak about how a vision or something hit them, like a light turned on, right then and there. For me, I was into my early twenties, and I went to bed one night and just started reading the Bible. That's how the slow process of coming to understand that I needed to know more about the Word of God began, and then coming to the point of accepting Christ and water baptism."

Comments: 3

  • Camille from Toronto, OhNo only no haters...it is now November 2012...about 10 years after Three Wooden Crosses was hit...I just saw Randy Travis and the Avett Brothers sing this song on a new CMT Crossroads and it is incredible. I predict their collaboration will propel the song into the music charts again, and rightly so. The vocals, so rich, so layered, so wonderful to listen to.
  • Joe from Grants Pass, Orgreat song and i love the fact that theres no haters but theres only 1 comment ....................acward still awsome song
  • Karen from Manchester, NhThe twist ending to this song always brings tears to my eyes. Great song.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

JJ Burnel of The Stranglers

JJ Burnel of The StranglersSongwriter Interviews

JJ talks about The Stranglers' signature sound - keyboard and bass - which isn't your typical strain of punk rock.

Frankie Valli

Frankie ValliSong Writing

An interview with Frankie Valli, who talks about why his songs - both solo and with The Four Seasons - have endured, and reflects on his time as Rusty Millio on The Sopranos.

James Williamson of Iggy & the Stooges

James Williamson of Iggy & the StoogesSongwriter Interviews

The Stooges guitarist (and producer of the Kill City album) talks about those early recordings and what really happened with David Bowie.

Tom Keifer of Cinderella

Tom Keifer of CinderellaSongwriter Interviews

Tom talks about the evolution of Cinderella's songs through their first three albums, and how he writes as a solo artist.

Trans Soul Rebels: Songs About Transgenderism

Trans Soul Rebels: Songs About TransgenderismSong Writing

A history of songs dealing with transgender issues, featuring Pink Floyd, David Bowie, Morrissey and Green Day.

Bob Dylan Lyric Quiz

Bob Dylan Lyric QuizMusic Quiz

Think you know your Bob Dylan lyrics? Take this quiz to find out.