It was first recorded by American country music artist Rhett Akins, whose version was released as a single in September 2006 but did not chart.

Other decedents the man thinks about connecting with include a cousin John (who was killed in action in Vietnam), his hunting dog, three teenage girls who were classmates of his in 1999, and singers Hank Williams and Janis Joplin.

The central theme is the ability to cross the mortal divide and reconnect with loved ones lost long ago.

[3] Brian Mansfield of USA Today gave the song a positive review, calling it "a tearjerker in the classic country mold.

[4] In 2017, Billboard contributor Chuck Dauphin placed "If Heaven Wasn't So Far Away" at number one on his top 10 list of Moore's best songs.