Old man Wrigley lived in that white house
Down the street where I grew up
Momma 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 ya keep from going 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, and said
“I raise my hands, I bow my head
I’m finding 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.”
Few years later I was off at college
Talking to mom on the phone one night
Phone one night
Getting 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 died.”
Later on that night, I laid there thinking back
Thought ’bout 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
Other side
It’d be that sweet old man who looked me in the eye
He said
“I raise my hands, bow my head
I’m finding 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 a good book
Don’t know the chapter or the verse
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, I raise my hands
I bow my head, bow my head
I’m finding more and more truth in the words written in red
They tell me that there’s more to life, there’s more to life than just what I can see
I believe
Oh, I
Oh, I believe
I believe
I believe
Oh, I believe
I believe
Oh, I believe
I believe
I believe
Oh, I believe
Finding Faith Through Friendship
“Believe” by Brooks & Dunn is a touching narrative about the power of faith, the comfort of belief, and the impact of intergenerational friendship. The song tells the story of a young man’s relationship with Old Man Wrigley, a neighbor whose life has been marked by deep loss. Through heartfelt conversations on a porch swing, Wrigley shares how his faith sustains him, especially after losing his wife and son. The chorus, emphasizing the “words written in red,” refers to the teachings of Jesus, highlighting a growing conviction that there is more to life than what meets the eye.
Reflections on Life and Legacy
As the narrator matures, he reflects on the passing of Old Man Wrigley and the lessons learned from their bond. The song explores the universal search for meaning, the desire for reunion with loved ones, and the hope that life extends beyond earthly existence. “Believe” resonates with anyone who has grappled with loss or questioned life’s ultimate purpose, offering reassurance through its gentle, faith-filled message.
Song Credits:
Written by Ronnie Dunn and Craig Wiseman.
Released in 2003.
Label: Arista Nashville.