Radio Hymns Video (MV)

Tom Ryman was a steamboat captain known for drinking, gambling and whoring prior to his decision to find God. Later, God called him to build the Union Gospel Tabernacle Church so the citizens of Nashville would always have a place to hear the word of the Lord. In time, the Fifth Avenue church became a concert venue, housing the Grand Ole Opry from 1943 to 1974. Over time, the building now known as The Ryman, fell into a state of disrepair. The city - and a surprising number of Opry members - called for its destruction. But in 1974, a passionate group of preservation groups and artists such as Emmylou Harris banded together to save the building from the wrecking ball.

Shattered stained glass they said her best days had passed
Half moon was shining on dust lit like diamonds falling on old wooden floors
Locked up the ghosts and the music and padlocked the doors
Now I wander these halls hear songs in the walls
The old wrecking ball stilled by God's mighty hand

As she rose from the ashes the hippies all sighed an amen
Back through the static live to you WSM
The Mother Church singing again
Electric redemption and sin and radio hymns amen

I stepped on the stage as I turned back the page
June said a prayer but her Johnny done kicked out the lights
The whole world was listening reaching through white noise and time

As she rose from the ashes the hippies all sighed an amen
Back through the static live to you WSM
The Mother Church singing again
Electric redemption and sin and radio hymns amen

So raise one for them sneaking bennies and gin
Honkytonk angels and rhinestones and unholy choirs
Cowboys and Christians and unbroken circles on fire

As she rose from the ashes the hippies all sighed an amen
Back through the static live to you WSM
The Mother Church singing again
Electric redemption and sin and radio hymns amen