Music hits us where it hurts. Honestly, sometimes it’s the only thing that can explain the weird, hollow feeling of losing someone without making it sound like a hallmark card. That’s why We Three Heaven's Not Too Far became more than just a song performed on a reality TV stage; it became a lifeline for people stuck in the thick of grief.
If you were watching America’s Got Talent back in 2018, you probably remember the moment. Three siblings—Manny, Bethany, and Joshua Humlie—walked out, looking like any other indie-pop trio. Then they started playing.
The song wasn't about some vague, metaphorical sadness. It was written from the perspective of their mother, Kim, who passed away from cancer just months before their audition. It’s a gut-punch. But it’s a beautiful one.
The Story Behind the Lyrics
Writing about death is risky. If you go too broad, it feels fake. If you go too specific, people can’t relate. Joshua Humlie, the band’s lead singer and songwriter, managed to thread that needle by writing the lyrics as if his mother were speaking directly to them from the "other side."
It’s a perspective shift.
Instead of the living crying out to the dead, it’s the departed comforting the living. "I’m not that far away," the song basically argues. It’s about the presence of a person in the small things—the way the wind feels or the way a memory pops up during a quiet morning.
The Humlie siblings grew up in McMinnville, Oregon. Their dad was a local music teacher. Music wasn't just a hobby for them; it was the family language. When their mother was diagnosed with cancer, that language was the only way they knew how to process the impending loss. They didn't write it for a TV show. They wrote it because they had to.
Why This Specific Performance Went Viral
The internet is crowded. There are millions of covers and original songs uploaded every day. So, why did We Three Heaven's Not Too Far explode the way it did?
✨ Don't miss: Mockingbird: Why Game of Thrones Series 4 Episode 7 Is Still The Show's Darkest Turning Point
First off, the raw vulnerability was undeniable. Simon Cowell, who isn't exactly known for being a softie, was visibly moved. Mel B, who had recently lost her own father, was in tears. You can't fake that kind of resonance.
But beyond the TV drama, the song tapped into a universal truth about the "aftermath." Most songs about death focus on the funeral or the moment of passing. This song focuses on the Tuesday afternoon three months later when you realize they aren’t coming back.
The Composition Matters
Technically, the song is a masterclass in building tension. It starts with a simple piano melody. Joshua’s voice is breathy, almost hesitant. As the siblings join in with harmonies, the sound fills out, mirroring the way grief can suddenly overwhelm you.
- The verses are conversational.
- The chorus is an anthem.
- The bridge feels like a breakthrough.
It’s not overproduced. That’s the key. In an era of heavy synths and pitch correction, hearing three siblings harmonize with that much emotional weight felt grounded. It felt real.
Navigating Grief Through "Heaven's Not Too Far"
Psychologists often talk about "continuing bonds." This is the idea that healthy grieving isn't about "getting over" someone, but about finding a new way to stay connected to them. We Three Heaven's Not Too Far is the musical embodiment of that psychological concept.
When Joshua sings about being "right there in the room," he’s validating the experience of millions of people who feel the presence of their loved ones in their daily lives. It’s comforting.
I’ve seen comment sections on their YouTube videos that look like digital memorials. People share stories about losing parents, children, or spouses. They talk about playing this song at funerals or during late-night drives when the silence gets too loud. It has become a tool for emotional regulation.
Misconceptions About the Band
A lot of people think We Three is just a "grief band." That’s a mistake. While We Three Heaven's Not Too Far put them on the map, their discography has expanded significantly since 2018. They’ve tackled topics like mental health, body image, and complex relationships.
They didn’t want to be defined solely by their tragedy.
After AGT, they released their self-titled debut album. It proved they had staying power. Songs like "Lifeline" and "Sara" showed that Joshua’s songwriting could pivot from personal loss to broader social issues without losing that "straight-to-the-heart" quality.
They are a DIY success story. They’ve managed to maintain a massive following through independent releases and touring, proving that a strong emotional connection with an audience is more valuable than a major label contract.
The Impact of Reality TV on the Song’s Legacy
Let’s be real: America’s Got Talent is a machine. It’s designed for viral moments. But usually, those moments fade after a week.
We Three Heaven's Not Too Far survived the cycle because it wasn't a gimmick. Sometimes, these shows find genuine artists who have something to say. The Humlies didn't need the bells and whistles of the Vegas stage. They just needed three microphones and their story.
Interestingly, they didn't win the show. They were eliminated in the semi-finals. But if you look at their streaming numbers and tour dates, they "won" in the way that actually matters for a career. They built a community.
How to Listen (and What to Look For)
If you’re coming to this song for the first time, or if you’re revisiting it after a while, pay attention to the lyrics in the second verse.
There’s a line about the "quiet of the night." It’s a small detail, but it’s where the song really lives. It acknowledges that the hardest part of loss isn't the big, loud moments, but the quiet ones.
Actionable Takeaways for Listeners
- Check out the Live Version: The studio recording is great, but the live audition on YouTube captures a level of raw emotion that is hard to replicate in a booth.
- Listen to "Lifeline": If you like the emotional depth of "Heaven's Not Too Far," their song "Lifeline" is a natural next step. It deals with the internal struggle of mental health with the same level of honesty.
- Support Independent Artists: We Three operates largely on their own terms. Following them on streaming platforms or buying merch directly from their site helps them keep making music that prioritizes message over marketability.
- Use Music as a Tool: If you’re struggling with loss, don't just listen to the song once. Use it as a prompt to journal or talk about your own experiences. Music is often the bridge we need to start a difficult conversation.
Grief doesn't have a timeline. It doesn't have an expiration date. Songs like this remind us that while the physical distance might be large, the emotional distance is as thin as a melody. It’s a reminder that we aren't alone in the "quiet of the night."
The Humlie siblings took their darkest moment and turned it into a light for other people. That’s the highest calling of any artist. Whether you’re a fan of pop music or not, the sincerity in We Three Heaven's Not Too Far is something that demands respect. It’s a song that stays with you long after the final note fades out.