Introduction:
“Cryin’ For Me (Wayman’s Song)” by Toby Keith is a heartfelt tribute to the artist’s close friend, Wayman Tisdale, a former NBA player and accomplished jazz musician. Released in 2009, the song captures Keith’s grief following Tisdale’s passing due to cancer in May of that year. The emotional ballad reflects on their friendship, with Keith mourning not just the loss of his friend but the personal void Tisdale’s death left in his life.
The song’s lyrics focus on the deep bond shared between the two, with Keith expressing his admiration for Tisdale’s positive spirit and unique talent. The line “I’m not cryin’ ‘cause I feel so sorry for ya, I’m cryin’ for me” reveals Keith’s inner struggle, showing that his grief stems from the personal impact of losing a beloved friend rather than sadness for Tisdale’s fate.
Toby Keith was deeply inspired by Tisdale’s resilience and approach to life, as reflected in the lyric “You showed me how I am supposed to live, and now you showed me how to die.” This emphasizes the profound influence Tisdale had on Keith, both in life and in facing mortality. The song is both a celebration of Tisdale’s life and a cathartic expression of grief for Keith, resonating with many listeners who have experienced similar losses. It achieved notable success on the country charts, peaking at number six on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.