Three Wooden Crosses

Randy Travis's song "Three Wooden Crosses" tells a poignant story about four individuals—a farmer, a teacher, a hooker, and a preacher—who are traveling together on a bus bound for Mexico. Each character represents different walks of life and different purposes: the farmer and teacher are on personal missions, while the preacher and hooker are searching for redemption. The narrative takes a tragic turn when the bus collides with an 18-wheeler, resulting in the deaths of three of the passengers, symbolized by the three wooden crosses on the side of the highway.

The song delves into the idea that the true measure of a life is not what one takes with them when they die, but what they leave behind. The farmer leaves a legacy of hard work and love for the land in his son's heart. The teacher imparts wisdom and a better start in life to her students. The preacher, in his final moments, passes his blood-stained Bible to the hooker, symbolizing a transfer of faith and hope. This act of passing on the Bible becomes a pivotal moment, as it is later revealed that the hooker, who survives, becomes the mother of a preacher who shares this very story with his congregation.

The song's message is deeply rooted in themes of redemption, legacy, and the impact of one's actions on others. It challenges listeners to reflect on their own lives and consider what they will leave behind. The imagery of the three wooden crosses serves as a powerful reminder of the lives lost and the enduring influence they have on the world. Through its storytelling, the song emphasizes that every life, no matter how seemingly insignificant, has the potential to leave a lasting impact on others.