Introduction
“Cryin’ for Me (Wayman’s Song)” stands out in Toby Keith’s catalog as one of the most heartfelt, vulnerable tributes he’s ever recorded. Released in October 2009 as the second single from his album American Ride, the song swiftly climbed to No. 6 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart . Rather than delivering with the swagger and bravado he was known for, Keith turns in a tender mid‑tempo ballad featuring gentle acoustic guitar, mournful saxophone by Dave Koz, resonant bass lines from Marcus Miller, and understated percussion by Arthur Thompson—showcasing a jazz‑influenced sound that perfectly suits the story it tells .
The song serves as a tribute to Keith’s close friend, former NBA standout and jazz bassist Wayman Tisdale, who passed away from cancer on May 15, 2009 . Keith wrote the song in the two days between Tisdale’s death and his funeral, too overcome with emotion to perform it then; he instead sang Willie Nelson’s “Angel Flying Too Close to the Ground” at Tisdale’s service . From the opening moments—a recording of Tisdale’s outgoing voicemail greeting—the tune draws listeners into a profoundly personal moment between two lifelong friends .
Instead of mourning Tisdale’s passing, Keith reveals through the lyrics that he’s “cryin’ for me”—mourning his own loss and the emptiness left behind . This shift from standard elegy to introspective grief gives the song a universal emotional resonance. Critics praised the performance: Billboard noted that Koz’s saxophone “perfectly accompany[ies]” the tender mood, while Roughstock hailed it as “one of the best single releases” in Keith’s career .
As part of American Ride, the track reflects Keith’s softer side, contrasting sharply with his signature “tough guy” persona . The music video, directed by Michael Salomon, premiered on CMT in November 2009 and visually underscores the song’s emotional gravity .
In crafting “Cryin’ for Me,” Toby Keith honored Wayman Tisdale not with bombast, but with honest reflection—lauding his friend’s life through intimate lyrics and heartfelt performance. The result is a deeply moving tribute that continues to resonate with listeners who have experienced similar losses.