Can we just get a Chris Stapleton cover of every song ever recorded? That would be great…
This week, Sheryl Crow was recognized by BMI with their coveted Troubadour Award, which “recognizes a songwriter who has made a profound impact within the American music landscape and whose work continues to set the pace for generations to follow.”
While Crow is primarily known as a rock and pop-rock artist, she’s had a few country hits, of course, none bigger than her 2002 hit with Kid Rock, “Picture.”
Clay Bradley, BMI Vice President, Creative, Nashville, says Crow had “inspired generations of songwriters” and they wanted to recognize her contributions to American music:
“Sheryl Crow is the pinnacle of songwriting excellence. She has inspired generations of songwriters with her honesty and musicianship while creating a blueprint for creators who are navigating authentic careers. BMI is proud to recognize the mark she has made on American music and her songs that have become part of our lives.”
And of course, bringing in Stapleton honor her with a song was the perfect choice, as he delivered a stunning rendition of “I Shall Believe.” The song was included on her 1993 debut studio album Tuesday Night Music Club, and she wrote it with Bill Bottrell.
In an interview with Vulture several years ago, Sheryl says talked about why she closes out every show with it to this day, as it has only continued to mean more to her over the years.
“Almost every show we end with ‘I Shall Believe’ and as I’ve gotten older and lived through some major life experiences… having cancer, adopting my kids, all the different changes in my industry… that song seems to hold more and more weight for me.
One of the things that keeps me going is that I feel like I have not written my best song yet. There are songs that I am proud of, songs that really captured the moment of where I was at. But I understood more later, and that’s what you hope. You hope you get out of your own way and allow inspiration to take over.”
The lyrics are pretty heavy, as she admits that she can’t seem to go on without this other person there by her side:
“Come to me now
And lay your hands over me
Even if it’s a lie
Say it will be alright
And I shall believe
I’m broken in two
And I know you’re on to me
That I only come home
When I’m so all alone
But I do believe
That not everything is gonna be the way
You think it ought to be
It seems like every time I try to make it right
It all comes down on me
Please say honestly you won’t give up on me
And I shall believe”
It’s a deep cut, I’m kind of surprised this was the song Stapleton chose, but of course, he can sing anything and make it sound like a hit. Dare I say, it’s even better than her original studio cut… check it out:
“I Shall Believe”
All-American Road Show Tour Dates
October 2 – Bristow, Virginia – Jiffy Lube Live with Mike Campbell & The Dirty Knobs
October 7 – Lincoln, Nebraska – Pinnacle Bank Arena with Nikki Lane
October 9 – Kansas City, Missouri – Morton Amphitheater with Nikki Lane
