Introduction
“Believe” is one of Brooks & Dunn’s most emotionally stirring songs. Co‑written by Ronnie Dunn and Craig Wiseman, it was first released in October 2005 as the second single from their ninth studio album, Hillbilly Deluxe . Clocking in at nearly six minutes on the album and trimmed for radio, the powerful ballad blends country and gospel influences, telling a profound story of faith, love, and loss.
The song resonated deeply with both fans and critics. It earned a sweep at the 2006 Country Music Association Awards, taking home Single of the Year, Song of the Year, and Music Video of the Year . That year, it also dominated at the Academy of Country Music Awards with nominations and a win for Song of the Year . Reflecting its emotional weight, Rolling Stone later ranked “Believe” No. 33 on their list of the 40 Saddest Country Songs of All Time .
Nearly two decades after its debut, Brooks & Dunn reintroduced “Believe” during the 58th Annual CMA Awards on November 20, 2024, teaming up with rising star Jelly Roll . Their rendition, accompanied by a nine‑member choir and 16‑piece orchestra, earned a standing ovation and was praised as the “most emotional, impactful performance” of the evening . The heartfelt collaboration also appears on Reboot II, released November 15, 2024, celebrating Brooks & Dunn’s rich legacy by revisiting hits with contemporary artists .
This 300‑word introduction delves into the song’s origins, accolades, and enduring legacy. It explores the songwriting partnership of Dunn and Wiseman, the initial impact in 2005–06, and the emotional resonance that continues to define “Believe”—particularly through its unforgettable live revival with Jelly Roll at the CMA Awards.
Video
Lyrics:
Old man Wrigley lived in that white house
Down the street where I grew up
Mama used to send me over with things
We struck a friendship up
I spent a few long summers
Out on his old porch swing
He said he was in the war, when in the navy
Lost his wife, and lost his baby
I broke down and asked him one time, I said,
How you keep from goin’ crazy
He said, I’ll see my wife and son in just a little while
I asked him what he meant
He looked at me and smiled
He said, I raise my hands
I bow my head
I’m findin’ more and more truth
In the words written in red
They tell me that there’s more to life
Than just what I can see
Oh, I believe, oh
A few years later I was off at college
Talkin’ to mom on the phone one night (phone one night)
Gettin’ all caught up on the gossip
The ins and outs of the small-town life
She said, Oh, by the way son
Old man Wrigley had died
Later on that night
I laid there thinkin’ back
Thought about a couple long-lost summers
I didn’t know whether to cry or laugh
If there was ever anybody
Deserved a ticket to the other side (the other side)
It’d be that sweet old man
Who looked me in the eyes
He said, I raise my hands (raise my hands)
Bow my head (bow my head)
I’m findin’ more and more truth
In the words written in red
They tell me that there’s more to life
Than just what I can see
I can’t quote the book
Don’t know the chapter or the verse
But you can’t tell me this all ends
In a slow ride in a hearse
You know I’m more and more convinced
The longer that I live
This can’t be (no, this can’t be), no, this can’t be (this can’t be)
This can’t be all there is
I raise my hands (Oh, I raise my hands)
I bow my head (bow my head)
I’m findin’ more and more truth (I’m findin’ more truth)
In the words written in red (words written in red)
They tell me that there’s more to life (there’s more to life)
Than just what I can see
Oh, I believe
Oh, I
Oh, I believe
I believe
(I believe)
I believe
(I believe)
Oh, I believe
(I believe)
Oh, I believe
I believe
(I believe)
Oh, I believe