Losing someone you love is an incredibly painful experience. When Adam passed away, music became a source of solace, particularly one song that resonated deeply with his spirit and our shared faith. At Adam’s funeral service, we played a powerful song by Aaron Watson, a choice that spoke volumes about its meaning to him and to us. This is the story behind that incredibly fitting “Halo Song,” and why it became such an important part of saying goodbye.
It started with Sunday mornings and the radio. Adam, in the months before he left us, developed a routine of listening to the “Sunday Morning Gospel Show” on Austin’s 98.1 KVET. Every Sunday, without fail, he’d wake up and turn it on at 8 am. Initially, I’ll admit, the early morning bluegrass and gospel music was a bit jarring, especially on my one day to sleep in! Imagine waking up to the surround sound filled with old country hymns while Adam moved around the house, preparing for church or making breakfast.
But even in my sleepy haze, there was something undeniably endearing about his dedication to this Sunday ritual. This newfound appreciation for gospel music was a reflection of Adam’s growing connection to our church. One Wednesday evening, driving home from service, we discussed taking the next step and officially joining the congregation. We both felt strongly that God had led us to this church, that it had become our true church home, and becoming members felt like the right path. It felt even more like confirmation when, during that very service, the pastor announced his Foundation Class starting the following week – we signed up immediately.
Our church was more modern in its style than Adam was used to, which was part of our conversation about joining. He explained his Sunday morning gospel ritual by saying, “that’s why I listen to the gospel radio show. It fills this need in my soul for the old hymns I grew up with, songs we don’t typically sing at our church. Singing those songs really completes everything for me; otherwise, I feel completely at home there.”
From that moment on, the Sunday morning gospel music, no matter how loud, became a cherished sound in our home. I started waking up with Adam, and we began to enjoy those mornings together, singing along to the mix of bluegrass, classic country, Texas Country gospel adaptations, and even some newer songs. Among them, one song in particular captured Adam’s heart: “Barbed Wire Halo” by Aaron Watson. This “halo song,” as we started to call it, became deeply special.
He loved “Barbed Wire Halo” so much that he would sing along with extra enthusiasm whenever it played. The fiddle in the background definitely appealed to his musical taste, but it was the lyrics that truly touched Adam’s soul. I remember asking him, “what is it about a song about an old man passing away that resonates so much with you?” Adam simply said he loved the song and the way it depicted Heaven. His connection to the song was so strong that he’d ask me to find it on YouTube during the week. “It’s only Tuesday,” he’d say, “I don’t want to wait until Sunday to hear it again!”
The instant I learned Adam had passed, “Barbed Wire Halo” came to mind. I knew immediately that we had to play this song in his honor. Suddenly, the parallels between Adam’s life and Deacon Shackleford, the subject of the song, became strikingly clear. Lines like “he never had a family, Lord knows he wish he did,” and “life took him to hell and back…in the end he beat the devil until he was black and blue,” resonated deeply. The latter especially reminded me of our home burning down just a short time before, a trial Adam faced with incredible strength. The references to “gospel hymns” and “shiny pearl snaps” also hit home – my Adam loved his pearl snap shirts.
Adam, though his life was cut short, lived a full and impactful 27 years. This “halo song” encapsulated so much of who he was and what he valued.
So moved by the song’s significance and its connection to Adam, I shared my feelings on Aaron Watson’s Facebook page:
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Image: A screenshot of a Facebook post where the author mentions Aaron Watson and his song “Barbed Wire Halo,” expressing its meaning after Adam’s passing.
To my surprise and comfort, Aaron Watson himself responded. It turned out that Aaron was also going through immense personal grief, having lost his infant daughter. He openly shares his journey through loss and faith in his blog, appropriately titled “Barbed Wire Halo Blog,” which he updates regularly. Exploring his blog offered another layer of connection to the song and its creator during a difficult time. Thank you, Aaron, for creating such a meaningful song.
Here is Aaron’s heartfelt reply:
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Image: A screenshot of Aaron Watson’s reply to the Facebook post, acknowledging the message and offering condolences.
Finally, I want to share the lyrics of this special “halo song,” “Barbed Wire Halo,” (originally found on http://www.aaronwatson.com), and a picture of Adam doing something he truly loved. These lyrics paint a vivid picture of faith, resilience, and the promise of heaven, themes that resonated deeply with Adam.
God bless Texas and Deacon Shackleford
He read the bible seven times and he believed every word
That ol’ beat up leather book had been through it all
He sat on the back pew so he could chew him a chaw singing
Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me
He carried candy for the kids in his Sunday dress coat
He’d take me fishing after church, he taught me things I needed to know
No Deacon didn’t have a family, Lord knows he wished he did
He told the whole congregation that I was his grandkid
And today he joined up with Jesus wearing shiny pearl snaps
We sang a few gospel hymns and then the soldier played taps
I bet he’s walking with Pete down a street paved with gold
Showing off his brand spanking new wings and his barbed wire halo
He married sweet Emma Grace before the war was through
She held his right arm next to his anchor tattoo
He was on a ship off at sea, when she died in child birth
He lost his whole world from the far side of the earth
He lost the will to love, he lost the will to live
Until he met a man who taught him to forgive
Yeah life took him to hell and back, to hell and back a time or two
But in the end he beat the devil until he was black and blue
Singing I once was lost, but now I’m found, was blind but now I see…
CHORUS
Before he went he made me promise him that I wouldn’t cry
And though I told him that I wouldn’t you know I couldn’t help but lie
Cause today he joined up with Jesus wearing shiny pearl snaps
We sang a few gospel hymns and then the soldier played taps
I bet he’s walking with Pete down a street paved with gold
As sure as the old church bell still rings
He always said he had country in his soul
He’s showing off his brand spanking new wings and barbed wire halo
Sweet chariot coming forth to carry me home
Swing low sweet chariot coming forth to carry me home
(Aaron Watson/Neal Lowry) © 2008 Sonnet Publishing LLC (Aaron Watson Songs BMI)
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Image: A photograph of Adam smiling and holding a fish, showcasing one of his favorite activities.
