Introduction:
Cryin’ For Me: A Tribute Steeped in Grief
Toby Keith’s “Cryin’ For Me (Wayman’s Song)” isn’t your typical country ballad. Released in 2009, it sheds the usual bravado associated with Keith’s music and delves into raw vulnerability. The song serves as a poignant tribute to his close friend, Wayman Tisdale.
Tisdale, a former NBA star and accomplished jazz bassist, passed away in 2009 after battling cancer. The loss deeply affected Keith, inspiring him to pen “Cryin’ For Me.” The lyrics paint a picture of a narrator grappling with grief. They express a deep sense of loss but with a surprising twist. The narrator acknowledges he’s not crying for Tisdale’s passing, but rather for himself – for the void left behind and the future experiences they won’t share.
The song holds a special significance for Keith. He originally intended to perform it at Tisdale’s funeral. However, the emotions proved overwhelming. Keith found himself unable to complete the song and opted for Willie Nelson’s “Angel Flying Too Close to the Ground” instead.
“Cryin’ For Me” eventually found its place on Keith’s 2009 album, “American Ride.” Released as the second single, it resonated with listeners, reaching number 6 on the US Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. More than chart success, the song stands as a testament to the powerful bond between friends and the enduring impact grief can have.
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