23 Years Ago Randy Travis Released “Three Wooden Crosses,” Which Would Go On To Become One Of His Most Iconic Hits

23 years ago today.

On November 25, 2002, Randy Travis released a song that would become one of the most iconic in his extensive catalog, “Three Wooden Crosses.” The song is arguably one of the most recognizable in country music, and if you’re anything like me, you were probably humming a bit of the chorus as you clicked on this blog.

“There are three wooden crosses on the right side of the highway
Why there’s not four of them, Heaven only knows
I guess it’s not what you take when you leave this world behind you
It’s what you leave behind you when you go…”

Penned by Kim Williams and Doug Johnson, the tune was released as a single ahead of his Rise and Shine album. The heartfelt song conveys a message of rage, redemption, and enduring faith. While the lyrics highlight some tragedies in the world that we might not ever be able to understand, the characters in the lyrics turn to their Creator for answers, knowing that God has a plan even though they might not be able to see or comprehend it.

The song also offers a message of hope. While many see these heartbreaking events as something that could break their spirit, they keep going and keep living the life that the Lord has intended for them. Because of the powerful messaging in the lyrics, it’s a song that many can relate to. And the music has still resonated with fans over two decades since its release.

Last year, Randy Travis’ team shared a heartwarming story of a man who found the light to keep living from “Three Wooden Crosses.” Terry Tyson, who works on Travis’ team, took to Facebook after a 2024 show to share a story about a young man who chatted with him at the merch table. The man asked Tyson what their least expensive item was, but he noted that it was still too expensive for him. He, in fact, hadn’t even bought a ticket to the show but wanted to come to see what he could afford at the merch table because Travis’ hit “Three Wooden Crosses” saved his life… literally:

“He didn’t have a job and couldn’t buy a ticket for the show, but he wanted to come in and look at the merch.

So I gave him my last huggie and said this one is on us tonight. He was so happy and was nearly in tears. He began to tell us how he was at the lowest point in his life and contemplating suicide when he heard Randy Travis singing ‘Three Wooden Crosses’ on the radio and how that particular moment changed his mind over the lyrics below.

‘It’s not what you take when you leave this world behind you; it’s what you leave behind you when you go.’ He wanted to keep living.”

The song made a lasting impact beyond listeners’ hearts, posting some incredible chart numbers, too. “Three Wooden Crosses” cracked the Top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, peaking at #31. It was Randy’s 16th chart-topping hit, the first since his 1994 hit “Whisper My Name,” and it was his last single to have reached #1 on the charts… Although now that Travis is making music again, thanks to the help of AI, we might see him score another number one hit one of these days.

“Three Wooden Crosses” also won him the CMA for Song of the Year in 2003, as well as a Dove Award from the Gospel Music Association as Country Song of the Year in 2004.

It’s hard to put into words just how important this song is for Randy’s career and what it means to so many people. “Three Wooden Crosses” will always be a timeless song that carries personal meaning for many who listen to it.

It’s only right to give it a spin while you’re here.

The post 23 Years Ago Randy Travis Released “Three Wooden Crosses,” Which Would Go On To Become One Of His Most Iconic Hits first appeared on Whiskey Riff.