Introduction
“I Want to Stroll Over Heaven With You” has become a cherished gem in Alan Jackson’s extensive repertoire, but its roots reach back to the early 1950s. Penned by gospel songwriter Carl L. Trivette in 1952 as a heartfelt tribute to his wife, Marilee Rasnake, the song delicately weaves the promise of eternal love with spiritual longing. According to SecondHandSongs, its opening verse — “If I surveyed all the good things that come to me from above…” — introduces a poetic blend of romance and devotion that resonated deeply with Trivette and his family .
Trivette originally intended the song as a private, intimate expression, even requesting it be sung at his wife’s funeral. That emotional genesis lends unmistakable sincerity to the lyrics, which express a desire not only for heavenly companionship with a loved one, but for that bond to be anchored in faith .
Decades later, Alan Jackson brought this quiet treasure to a wider audience. He included it as the closing track on his first gospel album, Precious Memories, released February 28, 2006 by Arista Nashville . Jackson’s straightforward arrangement—gentle acoustic guitar and his warm, glowing baritone—honors the song’s humble origin and emotional sincerity. Even without radio single status, Precious Memories went Platinum, in part thanks to emotionally resonant performances like this one .
Today, “I Want to Stroll Over Heaven With You” is celebrated among gospel and country fans alike. It has inspired recordings by the Happy Goodman Family, Blue Ridge Quartet, and more . Yet Jackson’s rendition stands out for its intimacy—capturing the simple, profound longing of Trivette’s original words with heartfelt respect and musical grace.
This history introduces the song’s journey—from a private love song turned funeral tribute, to a beloved gospel standard—showing how genuine expression can echo across generations and genres.