Introduction
“Over the Next Hill” is a collaborative recording by the iconic country duo Brooks & Dunn, featuring guest vocals from Mac Powell, lead singer of the Christian rock band Third Day. The song appeared on the soundtrack to the 2008 biographical film Billy: The Early Years, released October 7, 2008 by Arista Nashville.
Though not released as a single from one of their studio albums, the song did chart: it debuted at No. 60 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart during the week of November 28, 2009 . Brooks & Dunn’s decision to include Mac Powell reflects their openness to blend country with other genres and to bring a fresh voice into their soundscape.
This collaboration came well after Brooks & Dunn had already established themselves as one of country music’s most successful duos. With roots dating back to their formation in 1990 and debut in 1991, the pair amassed over 30 million albums sold and twenty Billboard #1 country singles before taking a hiatus in 2010 . During this period, their willingness to venture into soundtrack work and cross-genre partnerships (as with third-day’s Powell) showcased their versatility and enduring creative spirit.
Appearing in the context of a film celebrating the life of evangelist Billy Graham, “Over the Next Hill” resonated with themes of hope, perseverance, and faith. The song’s lyrical journey—looking forward to what lies ahead beyond life’s challenges—complements both the movie’s narrative and Brooks & Dunn’s evolving artistic journey in the late 2000s.
Video
Lyric
By the way the land is layin’
Think I’d be safe in sayin’
That over the next hill, we’ll be home
It’s a straight and narrow highway
No detour and no byways
And over the next hill, we’ll be home
From the prophets I’ve been hearin’
I would say the end is nearin’
For I see familiar landmarks all along
By the dreams that I’ve been dreamin’
There’ll come a great redeemin’
And over the next hill, we’ll be home
By the turn the tide is takin’
I would say there’s no mistakin’
That over the next hill, we’ll be home
There’s a place that we are nearin’
That so many have been fearin’
And over the next hill, we’ll be home
When we get there, we’re all hopin’
That we’ll find the gate is open
And there’ll be a refuge from the comin’ storm
For the way’s been long and weary
But at last the end is nearin’
And over the next hill, we’ll be home
Over the next hill, we’ll be home
Over the next hill, we’ll be home