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
Says he was in the war when in the navy
Lost his wife, lost his baby
Broke down and asked him one time
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, 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
Oh I believe
Few years later I was off at college
Talkin’ to mom on the 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’s died
Later on that night, I laid there thinkin’ 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
It’d be that sweet old man who looked me in the eye, 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 the book
The chapter or the verse
You can’t tell me it all ends
In a slow ride in a hearse
You know I’m more and more convinced
The longer that I live
Yeah, this can’t be
No, this can’t be
No, this can’t be all there is
When 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 believe
Oh, I
I believe
I believe
I believe
I believe
I believe
Finding Faith Through Friendship
“Believe” by Brooks & Dunn tells a poignant story of an unlikely friendship between a young boy and Old Man Wrigley, his elderly neighbor. The lyrics capture heartfelt moments shared on a porch swing, as Wrigley imparts wisdom shaped by personal tragedy and unwavering faith. As the boy matures, he reflects on these lessons, especially after Wrigley’s passing, and finds comfort in the spiritual truths that transcend life and death. The recurring theme focuses on believing in something greater than oneself, echoing the hope and solace found in faith and the “words written in red.”
Enduring Lessons and Legacy
The song’s emotional resonance lies in its universal message: that the most profound truths are often passed down through simple, genuine human connections. As the narrator grows, he comes to realize the depth of Wrigley’s faith and how it shapes his own understanding of life, loss, and hope for what lies beyond.
Song Credits
Artist: Brooks & Dunn
Songwriters: Ronnie Dunn, Craig Wiseman
Release Year: 2003
Label: Arista Nashville