If You Wanna Get to Heaven

Ozark Mountain Daredevils

About If You Wanna Get to Heaven

"If You Wanna Get To Heaven" is a single by the Ozark Mountain Daredevils from their 1973 album The Ozark Mountain Daredevils. This was the band's debut single and also the first of their two Top 40 hits reaching #25 on the Billboard Hot 100, selling about 500,000 copies. The song was covered by Jeff Carson on his 1997 album Butterfly Kisses. Included in Grand Theft Auto V on the radio station Rebel Radio, the song also served as the opening music to the 1991 PBS documentary "Dancing Outlaw", which profiled the life of legendary West Virginia "Mountain Dancer" Jesco White.  


Year:
1997
43 
#1

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I never read it in a book
I never saw it on a show
But I heard it in the alley
On a weird radio
If you want a drink of water
You got to get it from a well
If you want to get to heaven
You got to raise a little hell 

I never felt it in my feet
I never felt it in my soul
But I heard it the alley
Now it's in my rock and roll
If you want to know a secret
You got to promise not to tell
If you want to get to heaven
You got to raise a little hell

I never thought it'd be so easy
I never thought it'd be so fun
But I heard it in the alley
Now I got it on the run
If you want to see an angel
You got to find it where it fell
If you want to get to heaven
You got to raise a little hell
 
If you want to get to heaven
If you want to get to heaven
If you want to get to heaven
If you want to get to heaven

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Ozark Mountain Daredevils

The Ozark Mountain Daredevils are a Southern rock/country rock band formed in 1972 in Springfield, Missouri, USA. They are most widely known for their singles "If You Wanna Get To Heaven" in 1974 and "Jackie Blue" in 1975. more »

1 fan

Written by: JOHN DILLON, STEVE CASH

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


12 facts about this song

Song Origins
"If You Wanna Get to Heaven" is a song by the American rock music band, Ozark Mountain Daredevils, who were known for their unique blend of rock, country, and bluegrass influences.
Commercial Success
It is notably their biggest hit, reaching number 25 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1974.
Debut Album
The song was the leading single from their self-titled debut album, showing the band's signature sound right from the start.
ADVICE THEME
The song's lyrics outline the singer's advice on what someone must do if they want to get to heaven, suggesting a deeper message behind the catchy melody.
Sound Style
Staying true to the Ozark Mountain Daredevils' style, "If You Wanna Get to Heaven" combines elements of Southern-style rock with a country flare, including harmonica solos.
Band Name Inspiration
The Ozark Mountain Daredevils named themselves after the mountain range in Arkansas, which mirrors their music's natural and rustic sound - evident in the track "If You Wanna Get To Heaven".
Longstanding Popularity
Despite being released over four decades ago, "If You Wanna Get to Heaven" continues to be loved by the audience, showcasing the timeless appeal of the Ozark Mountain Daredevils' music.
Movie appearance
The song was featured in the soundtrack for the movie "Big Wednesday", a 1978 American coming of age film about surfing, thus reaching a wider audience.
Cover versions
Given the song's popularity, it has been covered by multiple artists throughout the years, demonstrating its enduring impact on the music industry.
Live Performances
"If You Wanna Get to Heaven" is a favorite during Ozark Mountain Daredevils’ live performances, often creating a lively response from their audiences.
Songwriting Credit
The song was co-written by band members Steve Cash and John Dillon reflecting their musical synergy and talent in songwriting.
Continued Airplay
Despite its age, "If You Wanna Get to Heaven" still enjoys regular airplay on classic rock and adult contemporary radio stations, making it one of Ozark Mountain Daredevils' most enduring songs.

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    If You Wanna Get to Heaven

    5.5M
    49,439     1,228

    Top Hot 100 Songs 1974

    Billboard #25


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