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If Heaven Wasn't So Far Away

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"If Heaven Wasn't So Far Away"
Song

"If Heaven Wasn't So Far Away" is the title of a song written by Dallas Davidson, Rob Hatch and Brett Jones. It was first recorded by American country artist Rhett Akins, whose version was released as a single in September 2006 but did not chart. Justin Moore covered the song and released it as a single in February 2011 as the lead-off single to his second studio album, Outlaws Like Me. Moore's cover is his fifth single release, his third Top Ten country hit, and his second Number One single.

Background

Moore said that he chose to record the song because he thought that it was "one of those songs you hear one time, and know immediately that it’s special."[2]

Content

"If Heaven Wasn't So Far Away" is a ballad in which a young man fantasizes about being able to spend a day in Heaven, visiting friends and family members who have died.[3] The man begins his fantasy when he drives across a bridge near a fishing spot where he and his grandfather spent time and bonded, and the grandfather also operated a fruit stand. Now a family man, he wonders what his children would think of their great grandfather upon meeting him.

Other deceaseds the man thinks about connecting with include a cousin, John (who was killed in action in Vietnam); his hunting dog, three teen-aged girls who were classmates of his, and singers Hank Williams and Janis Joplin. With the later two, he says he would ask Williams why he took pills that eventually killed him, while Joplin would be asked to sing the second verse of "Me and Bobby McGee."

The central theme is the ability to cross the mortal divide and reconnect with loved ones lost long ago.[4]

Critical reception

Brian Mansfield of USA Today gave the song a positive review, calling it "a tearjerker in the classic country mold."[3] Giving it a thumbs up, Karlie Justus of The 9513 noted the "small details" of the first verse and Moore's "easy twang," but thought that the second verse was not as well-written.[5]

Chart performance

Chart (2011) Peak
position
Canada (Canadian Hot 100)[6] 76
US Billboard Hot 100[7] 49
US Hot Country Songs (Billboard)[8] 1

Year-end charts

Chart (2011) Position
US Country Songs (Billboard)[9] 14
Preceded by Billboard Hot Country Songs
number-one single
July 23, 2011 		Succeeded by

References

  1. ^ "American single certifications – Justin Moore – If Heaven Wasn%27t So Far Away". Recording Industry Association of America.
  2. ^ "Justin Moore Can Relate To Latest Single". Nashville.com. 26 February 2011. Retrieved 22 March 2011.
  3. ^ a b Mansfield, Brian (21 March 2011). "Playlist: Justin Moore's 'Heaven,' plus 10 more". USA Today. Retrieved 22 March 2011.
  4. ^ AOL radio blog
  5. ^ Justus, Karlie (18 February 2011). "Justin Moore — "If Heaven Wasn't So Far Away"". The 9513. Retrieved 22 March 2011.
  6. ^ "Justin Moore Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved June 16, 2011.
  7. ^ "Justin Moore Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved March 31, 2011.
  8. ^ "Justin Moore Chart History (Hot Country Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved March 21, 2011.
  9. ^ "Best of 2011: Country Songs". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. 2011. Retrieved December 10, 2011.
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