About the song
“He Walked on Water” is a poignant ballad that has captured the hearts of country music fans for decades. Written by Allen Shamblin and recorded by Randy Travis, this song is a nostalgic tribute to the narrator’s childhood idol, his great-grandfather, a former cowboy. Released in April 1990 as the third single from Travis’s album No Holdin’ Back, “He Walked on Water” peaked at number 2 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart and number 1 on Canada’s RPM country chart.
The song’s inspiration comes from Shamblin’s own family history, with his maternal great-grandfather, “Poppy” Fugate, serving as the muse. Fugate’s stories about his cowboy days in the late 19th and early 20th centuries had a profound impact on Shamblin, who drew upon those tales to craft a song that would resonate with listeners. When Travis heard the song, he was immediately drawn to its emotional depth and chose to record it, citing the song’s ability to evoke memories of his own grandfather.
Musically, “He Walked on Water” is a masterclass in storytelling, with Shamblin’s lyrics painting a vivid picture of a bygone era. The song’s 4/4 time signature and moderate tempo of 92 beats per minute create a sense of intimacy and contemplation, allowing the listener to fully immerse themselves in the narrator’s reminiscences. The song’s music video, featuring Travis singing on the front porch of his home, adds a touch of warmth and authenticity to the song’s emotional impact.
Over the years, “He Walked on Water” has received widespread critical acclaim, with Cash Box magazine praising the song’s “detailed lyrics” and “relatable” themes. While some critics have noted that the song may not be the strongest track on No Holdin’ Back, its enduring popularity and nostalgic appeal have cemented its place as a country music classic. In 2012, Travis re-recorded the song as a duet with Kenny Chesney for the compilation album Anniversary Celebration, introducing the song to a new generation of fans.
Video
https://youtu.be/eCVw8Qjeg84
Lyrics
He wore starched white shirts buttoned at the neck
And he’d sit in the shade and watch the chickens peck
And his teeth were gone, but what the heck
I thought that he walked on water
Said he was a cowboy when he was young
He could handle a rope and he was good with a gun
And my mama’s daddy was his oldest son
And I thought that he walked on water
And if the story was told, only heaven knows
But his hat seemed to me like an old halo
And though his wings, they were never seen
I thought that he walked on water
Well, he tied a cord to the end of a mop
And said, “Son, here’s a pony, keep her at a trot”
And I’d ride in circles while he laughed a lot
Then I’d flop down beside him
And he was ninety years old in ’63
And I loved him and he loved me
And Lord, I cried the day he died
‘Cause I thought that he walked on water
But if the story was told, only heaven knows
But his hat seemed to me like an old halo
And though his wings, they were never seen
I thought that he walked on water
Yeah, I thought that he walked on water