Original subtitles

lt`s gonna be a good day.

l can feel it coming on.

All my darkest nights have come and gone.

l might just break out laughing

l might just sing a song.

lt`s gonna be a good day.

l can feel it comin` on.

lt`s gonna be a good day.

l can feel it comin` on.

Hi, l`m Bill Gaither.

Over the years, we`ve been thrilled to bring together great gospel artists

in wonderful venues from all over the world

for something that we call Homecoming Ooncerts.

For this series, ``Gaither Homecoming Olassics,``

we`ve combined the best of the best performances

into a remarkable hour of music.

l could go on and on about these delightful songs and wonderful artists,

but it`s more powerful to let these songs speak for themselves.

You know, there are not many times in my life

that l`ve been so moved by a song

that l actually had to pull off the road when l heard it on the radio.

That was true with the song ``Thank You`` by Ray Boltz.

lt is certainly one of the richest songs

that l have heard in the past 20 years.

lt seemed an extremely fitting song to offer

as a tribute to Billy Graham.

l turned and saw this young man.

He was smiling as he came.

And he said, ``Friend, you may not know me now.``

Then he said, ``But wait.

``You used to teach my Sunday school

``when l was only eight.

``And every week, you would say a prayer

``before the class would start.

``One day, when you said that prayer,

l asked Jesus in my heart.``

So thank you for giving to the Lord,

`cause l am a life that was changed.

Thank you for giving to the Lord.

l am so glad you gave.

Then another man stood before you and said,

``Remember the time a missionary came to your church,

``and his pictures made you cry.

``You didn`t have much money, but you gave it anyway.

``Jesus took the gift you gave,

and that`s why l`m in Heaven today.``

And he said, ``Thank you for giving to the Lord.``

Good news--l have good news for you.

```Oause l am a life``--

The good news is, God loves you.

He has a plan for your life.

There`s a purpose for living.

There`s a reason for existence.

Don`t give up.

Don`t let the headlines frighten you.

God is still sovereign.

He`s still on the throne,

and those of us that follow Him and serve Him

have a future that`s brighter than tomorrow.

One by one, they came, far as your eyes could see,

each life somehow touched by your generosity,

the little things that you had done,

sacrifices you made,

although they were unnoticed on the earth,

in Heaven, now proclaimed.

And l know up in Heaven,

they say you`re not supposed to cry,

but l`m almost sure l saw tears in your eyes

as Jesus took your hand

and you stood before the Lord.

He said, ``My child, look around you.

Great is your reward.``

Thank you for giving to the Lord,

`cause l am a life that was changed.

Thank you for giving to the Lord.

l am so glad you gave.

Oh, thank you for giving to the Lord.

l am a life that was changed.

Thank you for giving to the Lord.

l am so glad you gave.

l am so glad you gave.

Mm-mm, mm-mm.

The chimes of time ring out the news:

another day is through.

Someone slipped and fell.

Was that someone you?

You may have longed for added strength,

your courage to renew, but do not be disheartened,

for l bring hope to you.

lt is no secret what God can do.

what He`s done for others, He`ll do for you.

With arms wide open, He`ll pardon you.

lt is no secret what God can do.

There is no night,

for in God`s light, you`ll never walk alone,

always feel at home wherever you may roam.

There is no power can conquer you

while God is on your side.

Just take Him at His promise;

don`t run away and hide.

lt is no secret what God can do.

What He`s done for others, He`ll do for you.

With arms wide open, He`ll pardon you.

lt is no secret what God can do.

lt is no secret what God can do.

Now let`s return to Black Mountain in North Oarolina

for our tribute to Billy Graham`s favorite songs.

Here`s Doug Oldham, singing one of Bev Shea`s best songs,

``The Wonder of lt All.``

The wonder at sunrise l see,

but the wonder of wonders that thrills my soul

is the wonder that God loves me.

Oh, the wonder of it all, the wonder of it all,

just to think that God loves me.

Oh, the wonder of it all, the wonder of it all,

just to think that God loves me.

And there`s the wonder of springtime and harvest,

the sky, the stars, and the sun,

but the wonder of wonders that thrills my soul

is the wonder that has just begun.

Oh, the wonder of it all, the wonder of it all,

just to think that God loves me.

Oh, the wonder of it all, the wonder of it all,

just to think that God loves me.

Just to think that God loves me.

Loves me.

Here are two of my favorite people:

my wife, Gloria, and my good friend, Jake Hess,

performing a great old standard.

Sunday meetin` time back home where l was born

was a happy time every Sunday morn.

l remember well the songs we used to sing,

how we`d make the rafters ring.

lt was there l learned to pray

when l was just a kid.

Now l`m far away.

l`m so glad l did.

Some day l`m going back

to hear those church bells chime

at Sunday morning meetin` time.

lf the journey of my life were a country road,

the important landmarks along that road

would be places of worship:

the little white church

with the potbellied stove in the middle of the pews

where l first heard of a land called Beulah,

the village church where as a kid,

l listened to the old saints testify to the faithfulness of God,

the church on the bank where l had my first date,

and the youth group would gather around a campfire

after Sunday night services to sing ``Kumbaya.``

Along my journey is the church

where l promised my sweetheart l`d be faithful till death do us part

and the place where we brought our first baby

to be dedicated to God.

And at one church along the road,

l said good-bye to my precious father and later, my mother,

and because of those who came to share our grief,

l knew l would not walk on alone.

So when the church bell rings this Sunday morning,

l`ll hear a whole chorus of bells in my heart,

and l`ll go to the house of the Lord,

thankful to be in that meetin` house on Sunday morning.

T`was there l learned to pray

when l was just a kid.

Now l`m far away; l`m so glad l did.

Some day l`m going back

to hear those church bells chime

at Sunday morning meetin` time.

You know, l used to always love

the flamboyant way that Hovie Lister would accompany The Statesmen Quartet.

Here`s our entire cast

onstage at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee,

with Anthony Burger

giving the piano a real good Hovie Lister workout.

Listen.

l`ve told all my troubles good-bye.

Good-bye to each tear and each sigh.

This world where l roam cannot be my home.

l`m bound for a land in the sky.

l walk and l talk with my Lord.

l feast every day on His Word.

Heaven is near, and l can`t stay here.

Good-bye, world, good-bye.

Now, don`t you weep for me when l`m gone,

`cause l won`t have to leave here alone.

And when l hear that last trumpet sound--

my feet won`t stay on the ground.

l`m gonna rise with a shout, gonna fly.

l`m gonna ride with my Lord through the sky.

Heaven is near, and l can`t stay here.

Good-bye, world, good-bye.

l won`t have the blues anymore,

when l step across to that shore.

And l`ll never pine,

for l`ll leave behind my heartaches and tears evermore.

A day, maybe two, then good-bye.

Tomorrow l`ll rise up and fly.

Heaven is near, and l can`t stay here.

Good-bye, world, good-bye.

Now, don`t you weep for me when l`m gone,

`cause l won`t have to leave here alone.

And when l hear that last trumpet sound--

my feet won`t stay on the ground,

on the ground.

l`m gonna rise with a shout, gonna fly.

l`m gonna ride with my Lord through the sky.

Heaven is near, and l can`t stay here.

Good-bye, world, good-bye, world, good-bye.

Good-bye!

Fine dobro work adds a sweet complement

to Jeff and Sheri`s lovely rendition of ``Roses Will Bloom Again.``

l planted a little rosebush, and l tended it with care.

lts buds began to blossom.

Their sweet fragrance filled the air.

But when winter came, it withered.

The petals drooped and fell to the ground.

My heart sank as it faded,

but l`d forgotten who had made it.

And He said, ``Roses will bloom again.

``Just wait and see.

``Don`t mourn what might have been.

``Only God knows how and when,

but roses will bloom again.``

Rose was His only sweetheart,

a loving wife of 40 years.

He cherished every day they had

and held the memories dear.

He never dreamed he`d bury love

and go on to live alone.

When he laid His Rose to rest,

he looked to Heaven and tried His best

to believe that roses will bloom again.

Just wait and see.

Don`t mourn what might have been.

Only God knows how and when,

but roses will bloom again.

The precious rose of Sharon,

broken and bruised in cruel shame,

stained the cross of Oalv`ry

so that men might be saved.

And Satan cheered as he died,

while Mary and the others cried.

Then God raised Him up from death`s sleep,

and He kept a promise only He could keep.

Roses will bloom again.

Just wait and see.

Don`t mourn what might have been.

Only God knows how and when, but roses will bloom again.

Roses will bloom again.

Lord, prepare me to be a sanctuary,

pure and holy, tried and true.

And with thanksgiving,

l`ll be a living sanctuary for you.

Lord, prepare me to be a sanctuary,

pure and holy, tried and true.

And with thanksgiving,

l`ll be a living sanctuary for you.

lt`s Jesus:

He died to save the heart and soul of every man.

Jesus, He knows our weakness.

He`ll lift us up with His own hand.

Lord, prepare me to be a sanctuary

pure and holy, tried and true.

With thanksgiving

l`ll be a living sanctuary for you.

Ohh, lead us all, Lord, from temptations.

Purify us from within,

and fill our hearts with your Holy Spirit.

Take away all of our sins.

Lord, prepare me to be a sanctuary,

pure and holy, tried and true.

With thanksgiving,

l`ll be a living sanctuary for you.

With thanksgiving--

With thanksgiving,

l`ll be a living sanctuary for you.

l live for you, give my life to you,

and l`ll do it all for you.

My Jesus, l love thee.

l know Thou art mine.

For Thee, oh, the follies of sin l resign.

My gracious Redeemer, my Savior art Thou.

lf ever l loved Thee, my Jesus, `tis now.

l love Thee because Thou has first loved me

and purchased my pardon on Oalvary`s tree.

l love Thee for wearing the thorns upon Thy brow.

Oh, my Savior.

lf ever l loved Thee, my Jesus, `tis now.

lt is now.

lf ever l loved my Savior,

lt is now.

lf ever l loved my Savior, `tis now.

ln mansions of glory and endless delight,

l`ll ever adore Thee in Heaven so bright.

l`ll sing with a glittering crown on my brow.

lf ever l loved thee,

lf ever l loved thee,

my Jesus, `tis now.

When my way grows drear, precious Lord, linger near.

When my life is almost gone, hear my cry.

Hear my call.

Hold my hand lest l fall.

Take my hand, precious Lord.

Lead me home.

Precious Lord, take my hand.

Lead me on.

Let me stand.

l am tired.

l am weak.

l am worn.

Through the storm, through the night,

lead me on to the light.

Take my hand, precious Lord.

Lead me home.

You know, our Lord told us to love the Lord thy God

with all of our heart, mind, soul,

and then love our neighbor as we love ourselves.

We tried to say this in a song,

``Loving God and Loving Each Other.``

Loving God, loving each other,

making music with my friends.

Loving God, loving each other,

and the story never ends.

They pushed back from the table

to listen to His words, His secret plan

before He had to go.

lt`s not complicated.

Don`t need a lot of rules.

This is all you need to know.

Sing it with us.

lt`s loving God, loving each other,

making music with my friends.

Loving God, loving each other,

and the story never ends.

Sing it again.

Loving God.

Loving God, loving each other,

making music with my friends.

loving God, loving each other,

and the story never ends.

And the story never ends.

No, the story never ends.

No, the story never ends.

Let`s return to the Grove Park lnn in Ashville, North Oarolina,

for one more song from ``Mountain Homecoming,``

``lt`s Gonna Be a Great Day.``

All my darkest nights have come and gone.

l might just break out laughin`.

l might just sing a song.

Oome on in.

We`re gonna sing.

lt`s gonna be a good day; l can feel it comin` on.

lt`s gonna be a good day; l can feel it comin` on.

All my darkest nights have come and gone.

l might just break out laughin`.

l might just sing a song.

lt`s gonna be a good day; l can feel it comin` on.

When l woke up this morning,

l knew what was on the way.

l could tell by how l felt inside,

the sun was here to stay.

Someone up in Heaven must be smilin` down on me,

`cause l feel so excited

from my head down to my feet.

l`m looking for the future.

l know God is in control.

l`m looking to enjoy this ride.

l think l`m on a roll.

lt`s gonna be a good day; l can feel it comin` on.

All my darkest nights have come and gone.

l might just break out laughin`.

l might just sing a song.

lt`s gonna be a good day; l can feel it comin` on.

Now, all my expectations and possibilities,

the dreams that l`ve been dreamin`,

He has made reality.

l`ve made a resolution that l`ll dwell here on the good,

and He`ll send down a blessing, just like He said He would.

When l look down this tunnel, l can finally see the light.

l`ve got a funny feelin` everything will be all right.

lt`s gonna be a good day; l can feel it comin` on.

All my darkest nights have come and gone.

l might just break out laughin`.

l might just sing a song.

lt`s gonna be a good day; l can feel it comin` on.

lt`s gonna be a good day; l can feel it comin` on.

All my darkest nights have come and gone.

l might just break out laughin`.

l might just sing a song.

lt`s gonna be a good day; l can feel it comin` on.

lt`s gonna be a good day; l can feel it comin` on.

We captured this a cappella arrangement

from The Martins about ten years ago,

but l think you`ll agree it`s absolutely timeless.

Oh, blessed thought.

Oh, words with Heavenly comfort fraught.

whate`er l do, where`er l be,

still `tis God`s hand that leadeth me.

He leadeth me.

He leadeth me.

By His own hand, He leadeth me.

His faithful follower l would be,

for by His hand, He leadeth me.

Lord, l would clasp Thy hand in mine,

Nor ever murmur nor repine.

Oontent whatever lot l see,

Since God through Jordan leadeth me.

And when my task on earth is done,

when by thy grace the victory`s won,

even death`s cold wave l will not flee,

since God through Jordan leadeth me.

He leadeth me.

He leadeth me.

By His own hand, He leadeth me.

His faithful follower l would be,

for by His hand, He leadeth me.

For by His hand, He leadeth me.

For by His hand, He leadeth me.

Vince Gill wrote

the touching song ``Go Rest High On That Mountain`` back in 1 994

as a memorial to His brother.

l wondered what it would sound like

if we brought together a stellar group of female vocalists to perform it.

From our video entitled ``Mountain Homecoming,``

shot at the Grove Park lnn in Ashville, North Oarolina,

here are Oynthia Olawson, Bonnie Keen, Joy Gardner,

Oandy Ohristmas, and Tanya Goodman Sykes.

l know your life on earth was troubled,

and only you could know the pain.

You weren`t afraid to face the devil.

You were no stranger to the rain.

Go rest high on that mountain.

Son, your work on earth is done.

Go to Heaven a-shoutin` love for the Father and the Son.

Oh, how we cried the day you left us.

we gathered round your grave to grieve.

Wish l could see the angels` faces

when they hear your sweet voice sing.

So go rest high on that mountain,

`cause, son, your work on earth is done.

Go to Heaven a-shoutin` love for the Father and the Son.

Go rest high on that mountain,

`cause, son, your work on earth is done.

Go to Heaven a-shoutin` love for the Father and the Son.

Go to Heaven a-shoutin` love for the Father and the Son.

When you get a group of gospel singers together,

some songs are just bound to get sung.

This is surely among that elite number.

Recorded in New Orleans, here is ``l`ll Fly Away.``

l`ll fly away

to a home on God`s celestial shore.

l`ll fly away.

l`ll fly away.

Oh, glory, l`ll fly away.

When l die, hallelujah, by and by,

l`ll fly away.

When the shadows of this life have grown,

l`ll fly away.

Like a bird from prison bars has flown,

l`ll fly away.

l`ll fly away.

Oh, glory, l`ll fly away.

When l die, hallelujah, by and by,

l`ll fly away.

Well, just a few more weary days,

and then l will fly away.

To that home where joy will never end,

l`ll fly away.

l`ll fly away.

Oh, glory, l`ll fly away.

When l die, hallelujah, by and by,

l`ll fly away.

l`ll fly away.

Oh, glory, l`ll fly away.

When l die, hallelujah, by and by,

l`ll fly away.

Now we move from the Dixieland Jazz of New Orleans

to the ``Homecoming Texas Style`` in Fort Worth,

with ``Everybody Will Be Happy Over There.``

Where the souls of men shall enter and live on forevermore.

Everybody will be happy over there.

Everybody will be happy over there, over there.

We`ll be happy over there.

We will shout and sing His praises

through the never-ending ages.

Everybody will be happy over there.

There, we`ll meet the One who saved us

and who kept us by His grace

and who brought us to that land so bright and fair.

We will praise His name forever as we look upon His face.

Everybody will be happy over there.

Everybody will be happy, will be happy over there.

We will shout and sing His praises.

Everybody will be happy over there.

Everybody will be happy over there, over there.

We`ll be happy there.

We will shout and sing His praises through the never-ending ages.

Everybody will be happy over there.

Everybody will be happy.

We`ll be happy over there.

We will shout and sing His praises through those never-ending ages.

We`ll be happy there.

After hearing the timeless anthem

``When l Survey the Wondrous Oross,``

Oharles Wesley reportedly said

that he would`ve given up all His other hymns

if he could`ve written that one.

The lyrics by lsaac Watts are nearly 200 years old,

but they remain absolutely timeless.

Treating it with the respect it deserves are Terry Blackwood,

Mel Tunney, Tanya Goodman Sykes, Larry Ford, and David Phelps.

When l survey the wondrous cross

on which The Prince of Glory died,

my richest gain l count but loss

and pour contempt on all my pride.

Forbid it, Lord, that l should boast,

save in the death of Ohrist, my God.

All the vain things that charm me most,

l sacrifice them to His blood.

See, from His head, His hands, His feet,

sorrow and love flow mingled down.

Did e`er such love and sorrow meet,

or thorns compose so rich a crown?

And were the whole realm of nature mine,

that were a present far too small.

Love so amazing, so divine demands my soul,

my life, my all.

Love so amazing, so divine demands my soul,

my life, my all.

My all.

``Give the World a Smile Each Day``

was the signature song for every Southern gospel quartet

back in the `40s and the `50s,

and here is the original pianist of The Stamps Quartet, Marion Snider,

accompanying our Homecoming Friends in Fort Worth.

Give the world a smile each day,

helping someone on life`s way.

From the paths of sin,

bring the wanderers in to the master`s fold to stay.

Help to cheer the lonely and sad.

Help to make some pilgrim glad.

Let your life so be that all the world may see

the joy of serving Jesus with a smile--

A bright, sunny smile.

Are you giving to the world a smile, a sunny smile,

helping lessen someone`s dreary mile, dreary mile?

Do you greet the world with song as through life you pass along,

cheering those whom you may meet along life`s way?

Give the world a smile each day, helping someone on life`s way.

From the paths of sin, bring the wanderers in

to the master`s fold to stay.

Help to cheer the lonely and sad.

Help to make some pilgrim glad.

Let your life so be that all the world may see

the joy of serving Jesus with a smile, a bright, sunny smile.

You know, l love listening to a voice

and thinking of a song that would be a perfect match.

Jake Hess introduced me to His friend, Bob Oain,

and l was taken by the distinctive quality of His voice.

lt got me thinking about Kris Kristofferson

and the song that he wrote, ``Why Me, Lord?``

back in 1 972, and l got to thinking,

what would happen when that perfect song came together

with a great voice?

Listen.

Why me, Lord?

What have l ever done

to deserve even one of the pleasures l`ve known?

Tell me, Lord, what did l ever do

that was worth loving you for the kindness You`ve shown?

Lord, help me, Jesus.

l`ve wasted it so.

Help me, Jesus.

l know what l am.

Now that l know that l`ve needed you so,

help me, Jesus;

my soul`s in Your hands.

Try me, Lord,

if you think there`s a way l could try to repay

all l`ve taken from You.

Maybe, Lord, l can show someone else

what l`ve been through myself on my way back to You.

Lord, help me, Jesus.

l`ve wasted it so.

help me, Jesus;

l know what l am.

Now that l know that l`ve needed You so,

help me, Jesus.

My soul`s in your hands.

Jesus, my soul`s in your hands.

l first heard ``Lead Me to That Rock``

sung by The Four Knights Quartet back in 1 948.

lt was a national hit.

After then, every quartet in the nation sang some kind of version of this song.

We had a lot of fun singing it at the Grove Park lnn

with Steven Hill leading the way.

Why don`t You lead me to the rock that is higher than l?

Oh, lead me to the rock.

Why don`t You lead me to the rock that is higher than l?

Thou hast been a shelter for me.

Why don`t You lead me to the rock that is higher than l?

Oh, lead me, yes, lead me to the rock.

Why don`t You lead me to the rock that is higher than l?

Thou hast been a shelter for me.

Well, if you go down in yonder fold and search among His sheep,

My brother, thou hast been a shelter for me.

You`ll find Him there, so l am told,

with those He loves to keep.

My brother, thou hast been a shelter for me.

Why don`t You lead me to the rock that is higher than l?

Oh, lead me to the rock.

O, Jesus, lead me.

Why don`t you lead me to the rock that is higher than l?

Thou hast been a shelter for me.

And if you go into the wilderness, where dying ones are lost.

My brother, thou hast been a shelter for me.

And you`ll find Him there to heal and bless,

no matter what the cost.

My brother, thou hast been a shelter for me.

Why don`t You lead me to the rock that is higher than l?

Why don`t You lead me to the rock that is higher than l?

Why don`t You lead me to the rock that is higher than l?

Thou hast been a shelter for me.

Why don`t You lead me to the rock that is higher than l?

Lead me, Lord.

Yes, lead me.

Why don`t You lead me to the rock that is higher than l?

Thou hast been a shelter for me.

Why don`t You lead me to the rock that is higher than l?

Lead me to the rock.

Oome on and lead me.

Sweet Jesus, lead me to the rock that is higher than l.

Thou hast been a shelter for me.

Thou hast been a shelter for me.

Lead me, Lord.

The song ``Precious Memories`` dates back to 1 925,

and through the years, it`s been recorded by everyone

from The Ohuck Wagon Gang to Bob Dylan.

Here`s our version, recorded back in 1 994.

Precious memories, how they linger.

how they ever flood my soul.

ln the stillness of the midnight,

precious, sacred scenes unfold.

Precious father--

Sing it, Bob.

Loving mother,

fly across the lonely years.

l`ll hold home scenes of my childhood

in fond memory appears.

Ohorus--sing it.

Precious memories, how they linger.

Well, we have sure not run out of great gospel classics,

but we have run out of time for now.

So thanks for joining me,

and l want to encourage you to keep the messages

of these great gospel songs in your heart.

Until next time, l`m Bill Gaither.

ln the stillness of the midnight,

precious, sacred scenes unfold.

ln the stillness of the midnight,

echoes from the past l hear.

Old-time singing,

gladness bringing from that lovely land somewhere.