About the song
This World Is Not My Home by Jim Reeves: A Heavenly Journey Through Country Music
In the realm of country music, few voices resonate with the same heartfelt sincerity and otherworldly beauty as that of Jim Reeves. Among his many timeless gems, “This World Is Not My Home” stands as a beacon of spiritual solace, a poignant ballad that has touched the hearts of millions worldwide.
Released in 1962, “This World Is Not My Home” was penned by the prolific songwriting duo of Haven Gillespie and Fred Rose. Gillespie, a gospel singer and minister, infused the lyrics with a deep sense of religious faith, while Rose’s masterful composition provided the perfect musical backdrop for Reeves’s emotive vocals.
The song’s narrative follows a weary traveler yearning for the eternal peace and joy of heaven. Reeves’s gentle tenor effortlessly conveys the protagonist’s longing for his true home, a place beyond the trials and tribulations of earthly existence. The melody, characterized by its simple yet evocative structure, perfectly complements the lyrics, creating an atmosphere of both serenity and anticipation.
Upon its release, “This World Is Not My Home” quickly ascended the country charts, peaking at number one on both the Billboard Hot Country Singles and Cashbox Country Singles charts. The song’s popularity extended far beyond the borders of the United States, becoming a global hit and earning Reeves international acclaim.
“This World Is Not My Home” has since become a staple of country music, covered by countless artists across various genres. Reeves’s original recording, however, remains the definitive version, a testament to his unparalleled vocal prowess and the song’s enduring power to touch the human spirit.
More than just a country song, “This World Is Not My Home” is a testament to the transformative power of music. It is a song that speaks to the soul, offering solace and hope in the face of life’s challenges. For generations of listeners, it has served as a beacon of light, guiding them towards the promise of eternal peace and happiness.
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Lyrics
This world is not my home
I’m just a-passing through
My treasures are laid up
Somewhere beyond the blue
The angels beckon me
From heaven’s open door
And I can’t feel at home
In this world anymore
Oh Lord, you know
I have no friend like you
If heaven’s not my home
Then Lord, what will I do?
The angels beckon me
From heaven’s open door
And I can’t feel at home
In this world anymore
I have a loving mother
Just up in Gloryland
And I don’t expect to stop
Until I shake her hand
She’s waiting now for me
In heaven’s open door
And I can’t feel at home
In this world anymore
Oh Lord, you know
I have no friend like you
If heaven’s not my home
Then Lord, what will I do?
The angels beckon me
From heaven’s open door
And I can’t feel at home
In this world anymore
Just over in Gloryland
We’ll live eternally
The saints on every hand
Are shouting victory
Their songs of sweetest praise
Drift back from heaven’s shore
And I can’t feel at home
In this world anymore
Oh Lord, you know
I have no friend like you
If heaven’s not my home
Then Lord, what will I do?
The angels beckon me
From heaven’s open door
And I can’t feel at home In this world any more