Story Behind The Song

I knew a 19-year-old black man who was killed in a horrific car crash. In high school, he had been selected by his classmates to be the "ambassador" to the Katrina kids who came to that Texas high school after the hurricane. He was very popular. At his funeral, all of the several preachers wondered aloud why he had been "called home" so early. I decided I knew: he was called to heaven to stand by the side of Jesus, welcome new arrivals and show them around. I gave a copy of this recording to his parents.

Song Description

Young Christian soldier called to Heaven to assist Jesus in showing new arrivals around. He explains to each one how wonderful Heaven is, and he takes them on a tour of the streets paved with gold. This is a very happy song. Changes keys half-step up five times.

Lyrics

VERSE
Everybody knows the Lord works in mysterious ways
Sometimes He calls a young soldier home without further delay
Sometimes because He needs him stationed at the pearly gates
To give all the new arrivals a tour of the heavenly place

PRE-CHORUS
Now I can see him standin' there
Smilin' and waitin' just to say hello

FIRST CHORUS
Yeah, he is...
Standin' at the side of Jesus, sayin'
Welcome home, come on in
Standin' at the side of Jesus, sayin'
I'll show you around, my friend
Standin' at the side of Jesus, sayin'
His love will light the way
Standin' at the side of Jesus, sayin'
Gonna ride around heaven all day

SECOND CHORUS
Yeah, he is...
Standin' at the side of Jesus, sayin'
A place is prepared for you
Standin' at the side of Jesus, sayin'
Do anything you wanta do
Standin' at the side of Jesus, sayin'
No sadness, pain or fear
Standin' at the side of Jesus, sayin'
Only happiness and joy in here

Repeat FIRST CHORUS
Repeat SECOND CHORUS
Repeat FIRST CHORUS
Repeat SECOND CHORUS

TAG
Yeah, he is standin' at the side of Jesus
Oh, yeah (oh, yeah), oh, yeah (oh, yeah)
Oh, yeah (oh, yeah), oh, yeah
Oh, yeah...

Words & Music by Don Tomlinson
© 2019 Solid Sterling Music (BMI)
All Rights Reserved.