Watch the video at the end of this article.
Introduction
Written by Ronnie Dunn and Craig Wiseman, “Believe” is a powerful and moving song by the iconic country duo Brooks & Dunn. Released in 2005 on their album Hillbilly Deluxe, the track is a beautifully crafted narrative that tells the story of a young boy’s impactful encounter with an elderly man. The song is largely an acoustic ballad, with Ronnie Dunn’s soulful vocals driving the emotional storytelling.
The lyrics recount the narrator’s childhood friendship with his old neighbor, “Old Man Wrigley.” The boy’s mother would often send him over to Wrigley’s house, and the two would spend time together, sharing conversation on the old porch swing. During one of these talks, the boy learns that Old Man Wrigley has suffered immense tragedy, losing both his wife and son. The boy, full of innocent curiosity, asks how the old man keeps from “goin’ crazy” after such profound loss.
Wrigley’s response forms the core of the song’s meaning. He smiles and explains that he will soon be reunited with his loved ones in heaven because of his unwavering faith in God. He says, “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 believe.” The message is a simple yet profound testament to the power of faith and hope in the face of suffering. The song concludes with the narrator, now an adult, reflecting on how that moment with Old Man Wrigley changed his perspective, a belief that has stayed with him.
“Believe” resonated deeply with listeners, earning three prestigious Country Music Association awards in 2006 for Single of the Year, Song of the Year, and Music Video of the Year. Its universal themes of loss, hope, and the search for meaning make it one of Brooks & Dunn’s most enduring and beloved songs, a testament to the powerful storytelling found in country music.