Music Review:
50 Years from Home: I Gave You Everything I Had – Vince Gill
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Vince Gill is celebrating five decades in the music industry, which includes twenty-two Grammy awards, including time with Pure Prairie League, and the Eagles since 2017. Over the next year, he will release a series of EPs called 50 Years from Home. The first of the EPs is I Gave You Everything I Had.
The new EP includes six new songs, which Gill has described as “very personal”, as well as a newly recorded version of “Go Rest High On That Mountain”, which features a new third verse. All songs were written by Gill, who also produced the project.
The songs feature Paul Franklin on pedal steel, Gill on guitar along with Tom Bukovac, Jedd Hughes and Jack Schneider, keyboardist John Jarvis, multi-instrumentalists Stuart Duncan and Jim “Moose” Brown, banjo player Russ Carson, with Gill’s wife of 25 years, Amy Grant, and daughters Jenny Gill and Corrina Gill singing background vocals. The songs were recorded at Gill’s The House studio.
Click on ‘Continue reading’ for:
– More of this review
– Music News
– Song of the Week Lyrics~ Stand Firm by CityAlight and CXMMXNS
Gill helped design each EP cover by choosing an instrument from his personal collection to be featured. For I Gave You Everything I Had, he has chosen to use a photo of his 1942 Martin D-28 Herringbone guitar purchased in 1975.
Here are a few comments about each song as well as key lyric:
I Gave You Everything I Had – This song, backed by acoustic guitar, steel guitar and drums, has Gill looking back. He’s more grateful than ever. He sings of spending the hours remembering, with the sands of time being a precious thing. He has said goodbye to some good friends. Life looks different through an aging lens.
Key lyric:
This gypsy life ain’t been so bad
I gave you everything I had
I Hope Everybody Lives To Be A Hundred – Gill wrote this song shortly after singer/songwriter John Prine passed away in 2020. The song features acoustic guitar, banjo and background vocals. The only thing he knows for certain is that we will all die someday, so turn your eyes upon Jesus.
Key lyric:
So, sit up straight and try to fly right
Remember what your mama used to say
Don’t stay out late and never tell lies
Always give your heart away
Her Heart – This song is a tribute to Gill’s wife Amy Grant, her kindness and gentleness. The song features steel guitar and a guitar solo.
Key lyric:
I wish the world had her heart
And her gentle way to be
A ray of light in a sea of dark
So innocent and free
Made Me – This song has Gill reflecting back on his career. He’s enjoyed the ride, and with Amy by his side he wouldn’t trade places with a soul if you paid him.
Key lyric:
Made me want to write a song
The whole world would sing along
Make all the lonely people cry
Made me brave enough to take a chance
And never be afraid to dance
Made me wanna sing until I die
Benny’s Song – This song is about the morning that Benny Garcia, Gill’s oldest friend and longtime guitar technician passed away. His heart is breaking and he can hardly breathe as he watches his friend die. The song features piano, drums, steel guitar, backing vocals, and a guitar solo.
Key lyric:
Save me a place in Heaven
Under a setting sun
Save me a place in Heaven
I’ll find you when I’m done
When A Soldier Dies – This song is from the viewpoint of parents who have lost a son to war. The song features guitar, drums, and backing vocals.
Key lyric:
Well, I don’t think I’ll ever understand
How unkind we treat our fellow man
We loved that boy ’til the bitter end
And we fly that flag to remember him
Go Rest High on that Mountain – This is a new version of one of Gill’s most popular songs. It includes a new third verse that he had previously only sung in concert. Gill wrote the song in honor of both Keith Whitely and his late brother Bob. The song features piano, backing vocals, guitar, and steel guitar.
Key lyric:
You’re safely home in the arms of Jesus
Eternal life, my brother’s found
The day will come, I know I’ll see you
That sacred place on that Holy ground
- Best Christian Folk & Worship of 2025 Music Review. Tim Briggs shares his best Christian folk and worship songs of 2025.
- Best Music of 2025. Brett McCracken writes “Here are my picks for the best Christian music released in 2025: best songs, best albums, and best EPs. These certainly reflect my own tastes and won’t resonate with everyone—but I hope you’ll find at least a few artists or tracks here that you love and hadn’t heard before. Give them a listen.”
Song of the Week: Stand Firm by CityAlight and CXMMXNS
This week’s song of the week is from CityAlight and CXMMXNS from the album The Commons Chapel. The song was written by Ben Fielding, Jonny Robinson and Rich Thompson. Listen to the song here.
Verse 1
Be strong in the lord
In his mighty power
Stand firm when the enemy comes
The armour of god
Is our sure defence
Our hope is in christ alone
Chorus 1
We stand
On the rock of ages
We trust
In his mighty hand
We hold to the one
Who will keep his word
Be strong in the lord
Stand firm
Verse 2
We hold to his truth
And his righteousness
We run in the gospel of peace
Our shield is by faith
In the one who saves
His word is our victory
Bridge 1
Stand on his promise
Stand by his gracе
He’s faithful in battle
And blessing thе same
King of all kingdoms
All power and praise
His throne won’t be shaken
Forever he reigns
