Toby Keith pays tribute to late friend Wayman Tisdale in his song "Cryin' For Me (Wayman's Song)."
Singer, songwriter and entertainer Toby Keith’s new single may be the most personal and emotionally raw offering of his entire career. “Cryin’ For Me (Wayman’s Song)” and its accompanying video pay tribute to the basketball legend, accomplished jazz bassist and close friend of Keith’s Wayman Tisdale.
Watch the video for “Cryin’ For Me (Wayman’s Song)” »
An all-American player for Oklahoma and NBA star before launching his career in music, Tisdale passed unexpectedly in May from complications resulting from cancer treatments that seemed to have left him with a clean bill of health. For Keith, Tisdale’s death was a terrible blow unlike anything he’d experienced before. He poured his emotions into music, writing a song he intended to play at Tisdale’s funeral, but the wound was still too fresh.
“I’ve had some loss in my life, of course my dad, but that’s different,” Keith says. “I’ve lost some friends and acquaintances along the way, but this one was very difficult for me. I wrote this for [the funeral], but I could not get through it. I ended up doing Willie’s ‘Angel Flying Too Close To The Ground’ because I wasn’t attached to that. It was weeks before I could make it all the way through the song. It was tough on me.”
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When I heard this song it remimded me of my mom who I lost 2 years ago with cancer. I know that when I cry I know the only person that is hurting is me. I miss her smile so much and I miss her singing but I know up in Heaven she is singing with the Angels.
My best friends wonderful, handsome 20 year old son committed suicide a couple of months ago and I am still crying, crying just like Toby's song. That song was a gift to everyone who has lost someone, helping to heal the hurt inside and praying that they are OK now. It is a reality check for all to cherish those we love today because tomorrow is another day and things could change. Thanks Toby!
This is such a meaningful song that cant relate to most all of us. Toby does such a great job singing it from the heart..tears are in my eyes every time I hear it….thanks Toby for such an awesome song and hats off to the band, it was beautiful.
I have never heard anything as wonderful as this song.Toby that’s so sweet
of you. Writing and singing this tribute to Mr Tisdale.You bring tears to
my eyes every time I hear this song.You’re a ture friend.
I have loved Toby for years and saw him in concert twice. This song is amazing but I expect as much from him I love the sax it is so haunting and it could take country in a whole different direction. Oh and even though I tried not to cry I did.
I love this song!! I lost my brother 2 and a half weeks ago on a Friday morning in a car accident. It was the worst thing Ive experienced yet and cant even explain al the emotions I have. A week later I was driving and crying and this song came on and it hit me. It gave me the idea to call his cell and hear his voice which we did and recorded so now the family has it. I feel this song is another thing to remember him and know he is always with us and to laugh about all the good times we had together. I love this song!!
I first heard this on the radio, being an 0kie girl and die hard OU fan, knew immediately what and who this song was about, and cried then. But watching the video shows everyone else the wonderful man that he was, and what he stood for. Know matter how many times I will see the video or hear the song, I will cry. Toby, thanks for introducing Wayman to the rest of the world. TOBY, thanks!!
This SONG Should be nominated for SONG of the YEAR! wow, what a Loving tribute to a real human being like Mr. Tisdale. Toby, you sure a sweet Man to feel this Love-Friendship with your dear Friend.. I am sorry to hear of your loss of a beloved Man. and Friend. it sure made me think of my Dear Grandpa, and Mom, digs deep in my heart, and sould
Willa..in Hendersonville, TN
Wayman was a GREAT man and a great loss to all Oklahomans, and humanity as a whole. We all loved him here in Oklahoma, whether we knew him personally or not. His courage, humor & unconquerable spirit is an example to all of us of how to live each day to the fullest. Toby, I'm sure that Wayman is smiling down on you from heaven for your song & video tribute. It's a touching testament to his spirit and his faith in God, which he shared with everyone. Another home run, Toby. You represent !
This is such a sad song. I am sooo sorry to hear the sad news about Toby Keith's friend.
This song is GREAT. FINALLY something a bit different to Country Music.
This sounds like Jazz? Country, I LOVE it!!
We have Alt Country, Country Pop/Rock, Hick Hop, and now Jazz Country. AWESOME!!
By the way what is that instrument that is playing in the song? It's BEAUTIFUL!! Is it a clarinet or a saxophone? I wish more Country Music contained that instrument in their music.
This song sounds like another Toby Classic.
Lately besides the song "She? never cried in front of me" Toby Keith's music was beginning to suck and no meaningful music was coming from him. I'm GLAD he came out with this song. I'm GLAD to have the old Toby Keith back.
They should be playing this NEW song on the Jazz Stations as well. The instruments to "Cryin' For Me" sound like Country Jazz.
It's a saxaphone and it's Dave Koz playing it.
I loved Wayman Tisdale, too, Toby. I feel your heart aching when I hear the song. The video is a tear-jerker, indeed. I like your line about his *upside down, left handed bass guitar*… us lefties are a plus in the arts and that includes basketball. I have lost so many relatives in the last nine years. This song affirmed what my tears are all about, LOSS.
I believe Wayman will watch over you as the journey of your life without him begins. My thoughts and prayers are for you, Toby. After listening to the song, I agreed with you. It's way to close to the heart to sing when a wound is fresh. This is a masterpiece, indeed
Very few songs make me cry. This one did. Beautiful song and video.
Thanks be to Toby for writing a Awesome song, we in Oklahoma loved Wayman Tisdale just like Toby!!!!!
lost my Dad Toby in March of this year and your song says it all "crying for me"good job well said
I lost my 10 1/2 yr. old daughter 32 yrs. ago, and I still miss her every day. I had remarried, had a 2 1/2 yr. old son and a 6 mos. old son, which I buried myself into doing what needed to be done every day. I know now that I was in total denial, as it all came crashing down on me some 4 yrs. later – then I ended up in therapy for a year plus antidepressants still. Both of my sons turned out good & I'm very proud of both of them, but part of me died with my daughter and I still feel the sadness of her death – just anytime, as it's always just under the skin. I don't dwell on it on a daily basis, but it doesn't take much for her to come to the surface of my life and bring tears still. I LOVE YOUR SONG TOBY!
That song is the way I feel about the loss of my son. Thank you for writing it.
i just lost my dad monday and this song is perfect for him and I. thank you
Beautifully done video. I think we can all relate to this song and Toby does it so well.
Toby, You know Wayman is smiling from ear to ear. Thanks for being his friend.
What an AWESOME Song and Tribute to Mr. Tisdale. Made me think of losing my dad many years ago and then my step dad a few years ago..
Sure made me cry.. AWESOME JOB TOBY