Introduction
“Cryin’ for Me (Wayman’s Song)” is a poignant country ballad by Toby Keith, released as the second single from his 2009 album American Ride. The song serves as a heartfelt tribute to Keith’s close friend, NBA star and jazz bassist Wayman Tisdale, who passed away from cancer in May 2009. Rather than focusing solely on Tisdale’s death, Keith reflects on his own grief and the profound impact of losing a cherished friend.
The song opens with a voicemail recording of Tisdale’s voice, setting a deeply personal tone. Musically, it features a mid-tempo arrangement with acoustic guitar and a prominent saxophone solo by Dave Koz, enhancing its emotional depth. Keith had originally planned to perform the song at Tisdale’s funeral but was too overcome with emotion; instead, he sang Willie Nelson’s “Angel Flying Too Close to the Ground” .
Upon its release, “Cryin’ for Me” received positive reviews from critics. Ken Tucker of Billboard praised the song’s tenderness, highlighting the saxophone’s contribution to its emotional resonance. Entertainment Weekly’s Whitney Pastorek described it as a “sweet tribute,” while Bobby Peacock of Roughstock considered it one of Keith’s best single releases, noting its personal touches .
The song achieved commercial success, peaking at number 6 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. Its music video, directed by Michael Salomon, premiered on CMT in November 2009 and features footage of both Keith’s performance and Tisdale’s life, further cementing its status as a heartfelt homage to a beloved friend.