Randy Owen – “Braid My Hair”
Songwriters: Chris Gray and Brent Wilson
In addition to being Randy Owen’s first solo single, “Braid My Hair” is the first single released that was written by either of the songwriters, Chris Gray and Brent Wilson. The single comes from Owen’s to be released album, One on One, produced by John Rich.
Add this to the list of songs that use a child in a dire situation to create an emotional response, but this one doesn’t complete the story via a miracle or death, keeping the possiblity of hope, as expressed by the little girl, alive. The fact that one of the cowriters (Gray) was a teacher in a children’s hospital only lends the song an authenticity that’s missing in other songs incorporating the same emotional device. And that authenticity is what really puts the things we take for granted into perspective. In case you didn’t guess, the little girl has cancer and lost her hair from chemo treatment, hence the hope she has to one day be able to do something as simple as braid her hair.
The vocal isn’t bad, but I kept expecting Alabama or even Big Kenny to pipe in on harmony and the production leaves something to be desired, although, thankfully, it never devolves into somber pandering.
Listen: Randy Owen – “Braid My Hair”
On a sidenote, wouldn’t it be kinda creepy to see a guy like Randy Owen on MySpace if he weren’t an artist?
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49 Comments
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January 18, 2008 at 4:04 pm Permalink
I’m not impressed with the song.
January 18, 2008 at 4:25 pm Permalink
Cool, why not?
On a sidenote, 100% of the publishing royalties for this song will go to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
January 18, 2008 at 7:17 pm Permalink
Nice on the royalties. As for the song it is just plain bad imo. I never was a fan of Alabama or Randy Owens.
January 19, 2008 at 1:29 pm Permalink
I think the song is moving. Randy Owen has never given up on a cure for childhood cancer. His committment to St Judes Hospital is unmatched! I love him. And, I love this song! Great to hear music from Randy.
January 19, 2008 at 1:39 pm Permalink
I REALLY like this song! Randy sounds superb and the song is very moving! I have always been very impressed with Randy’s dedication to St Judes and the fact that royalties from this song will benefit St Judes makes this song even sweeter! I hope that radio will play this song and that it becomes a big hit!
January 19, 2008 at 1:41 pm Permalink
Great song. I love it.
January 19, 2008 at 1:47 pm Permalink
If there are aliens out there monitoring country music radio waves in order to learn about the planet and its people, they must believe every child on earth has cancer.
January 19, 2008 at 5:39 pm Permalink
That guy looks creepy
January 19, 2008 at 5:46 pm Permalink
great song randy so kind of you to think of children in the way you do keep those songs coming . alma
January 19, 2008 at 5:48 pm Permalink
great song great work you do for st jude’s randy keep the great songs coming in. alma
January 21, 2008 at 8:44 pm Permalink
it is a great song.i fell in love with it a few month ago when the first version came out that was released by a 14 year old boy on myspace
he also did a great job with the song. i think his version is on there still at myspace.com/wmmorgan
January 22, 2008 at 12:28 am Permalink
I love this song. Im a patient at St. Jude and got the chance to meet Randy on Friday. He loves us St. Jude kids, and we love him. I am 21, but the song means alot to me. I cant wait to ride my bike again, take off that stupid blue mask and breathe fresh air, wrestle with my little brothers, and sleep in my own bed, with my pillows and my cat. So great job Randy, you make us proud.
January 26, 2008 at 7:31 am Permalink
Hi! I’m from Germany, and i’m a GREAT Alabama-Fan since 20 years. Cool to hear a new song from Randy.!! Good Luck for the Solo career.
January 27, 2008 at 1:08 am Permalink
I never liked Country Music UNTIL I heard
lyrics by Randy Owen. He has a special quality
in his voice that touches the heart.
The newer artists can’t hold a candle to Randy!
Lee Anne
January 29, 2008 at 2:38 pm Permalink
The words are surreal and anyone thats been on a CaringBridge Web-site recently, understands. It’s not the song or the artist, its the message and reality for too many children & their families that pray for a cure.
January 30, 2008 at 1:40 pm Permalink
the first comment is cute.
a guy with 73 million albums sold, and whom is the country music hall of fame, and he doesn’t like the song.
it’s about a baldheaded cancer patient that happens to be a girl.
she wants to braid her hair.How’s she going to do it?
with the help of saint judes,this artist Randy owens, and all involved in this songs production,for all royalties goes to st judes.
now to the first to post, there’s more to the success of a song than just hearing it.
you’ve got to live it,feel it,become a part of the story.try it.
now go back and listen.
February 1, 2008 at 6:12 pm Permalink
This message is to CCF. I think this is a beautiful song. I lived this story. I was bald, I had to learn to run again because my feet were numb from the terrible chemo I had. And yes, it was so wonderful the day I didn’t have to wear that mask and actually be able to breath fresh air. And if it helps St. Judes get more support, I am all for it. I was old enough to understand what was going on, but many of these little ones that suffer do not understand why they are so sick.
February 4, 2008 at 3:42 pm Permalink
I love this song and how it has inspired so many people. I didn’t realize the impact of it until I checked out his website and read the real-life stories of people battling cancer. Its heart breaking, inspiring and uplifting! to read them go to http://www.randyowen.com and click on submit stories. Might need a tissue though!
February 4, 2008 at 4:05 pm Permalink
Just because he’s a hall of famer doesn’t mean a person can’t like him!
I like the song, but that doesn’t mean you should pick on other people because they don’t. Everybody has different taste.
February 6, 2008 at 9:59 pm Permalink
I love this song!! my little cousin Emma Grace died in St. Jude from neroblastoma so the first time I heard it I cried! the little girl that he is talking about sounds a lot like her! I love it!
February 7, 2008 at 6:54 pm Permalink
One of my best friends, Lori, is a patient at St. Jude, and she is amazing and I know that this song has to do with her so much. Her and her family have been through so much and I know she misses being able to run around and everything. Thanks!
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/loriclements
February 7, 2008 at 7:45 pm Permalink
This is a wonderful song. It made me cry in my car. Randy Owen is a wonderful man with a very big heart and I am very excited to hear him have a new single…especially one as good as this
February 11, 2008 at 3:24 pm Permalink
this song is sooooo real. running again, braiding my hair, and taking off that stupid mask were all so nice. i cried through this entire song ,it was so real. i think it is amazing how real a song can get. thanks so much for having a song that is so true for tons of kids.
February 12, 2008 at 11:06 am Permalink
My very special friend, Madelyn Beamon fought the Beast called cancer from age 2 to age 6. On 02/02/2008 she tiptoed into Heaven and this song was played at her funeral. She had met Randy Owen several times and I’m sure charmed him like she did everyone. The song and the work of people like him are wonderful. Thank you for all you do.
February 12, 2008 at 1:04 pm Permalink
Just a wonderful, beautiful, heart-felt song. WOW
February 13, 2008 at 10:51 pm Permalink
Whew,everyone who has had someone they love go through a bout with cancer knows and hopes for this kind of faith.As one who is a christian with faith all things are possible with God.Sounds like a hit to me.Has all the emotion,hurt,and hope.God Bless,enjoy all the sucess this song is going to bring.Love you Randy.
February 16, 2008 at 4:57 pm Permalink
Our firstborn, Matthew fought cancer 9 of his 12 and half years of his life and noone who hasn’t walked in the shoes of a child with cancer or chronic life threating diseases can comprehend the suffering of the child or the families involved. It shakes to the core. Our hope and Matthews came in one word …..Jesus Christ the hope of the world we couldn’t have survived our marriage w/o HIM and fully knowing Matthew is safe with Jesus. This song brings back memories of the path we walked and may all the children and families celebrate life and this song wraps it up.May we see a cure in our life time. Thank you Randy
February 19, 2008 at 7:03 pm Permalink
its a beautiful song with spirit, hope and love. until cancer touches your life you may take it forgranted.please buy the cd.cancer research takes money.signed a cancer survivor and very loyal alabama/randyowen fan4life
February 23, 2008 at 8:25 pm Permalink
I heard this song for the first time today and love it! I took my 5 year old daughter to get her hair cut this morning; we’ve been letting it grow so she could donate it to Locks of Love. I’ve told her many times about the wig that will be made from her hair and how some little girl would be very happy. On the way home, this song came on the radio and I just cried and cried. I told my daughter that someone like the little girl in the song would be getting her hair. I think she finally understands the gift she has given. God Bless all the children at St. Judes.
February 23, 2008 at 8:57 pm Permalink
As much as I’ve wanted to NOT like this song, because of Randy Owen, not the message, I don’t. It’s a heartfelt song that touches hearts. It also brings out emotional responses. I am sure my sister who lost a child (though not to cancer) will relate to it.
February 23, 2008 at 9:00 pm Permalink
This is my absolute favorite song. Randy Owen sings it great and the lyrics are so beautiful. I do not have cancer, although I do have a life-threatening disease that I take chemo for (the doses are broken up in smaller doses so I take it more often, so I’ve never lost ALL of my hair) and my scalp is sensitive from my disease to the point that I cannot bear the weight of hair, thus mine is cut off, leaving about an inch of hair. I am only 12 years old and cannot stand, walk, run, play or do any type of school currently. I can’t be with my friends and must wear a mask in public places. My life is hard, but I still hold on to the hope that one day, I will be able to do all the things mentioned in this song…and braid my hair.
February 24, 2008 at 6:44 pm Permalink
I LIKE THE SONG. IT REALLY TOUCHED ME. I AM A PEDIATRIC NURSE THAT HAS MANY PATIENTS WITH CANCER. IT IS VERY POWERFUL. IT REMINDS ME OF ALL OF MY PATIENTS AND THEIR HOPES FOR THE FUTURE. I LOVE THAT THE PROCEEDS GO TO ST JUDES.
February 25, 2008 at 7:10 pm Permalink
I cried when I heard this song. My granddaughter died from cancer in 2003, 3 days before her 7th birthday. I think that song could have been written for her. All I could think was, Alexann didn’t get a chance to braid her hair. Two years ago her sister and mother donated their hair to Locks of Love.
March 1, 2008 at 4:40 pm Permalink
I love this song. I can not wait to get my hands on the album when it comes out. I have not personally lost a child to cancer but I have gone and toured St. Jude’s Hospital in Memphis. If you want a good reality check you need to go tour the facility. I am also a Partner in Hope for some of theses children hope is all they have. I gave my hair to Locks of Love years ago. Randy keep up the good work for kids. Thanks for all you do for the children. Keep it up.
March 3, 2008 at 7:25 pm Permalink
Great Job Randy!! Always been a big fan of Alabama. I think this song is great like all your and Alabama’s songs. I had only heard it one time and I cried all the way through it. I am a survivor of cancer. Though I did not have any treatments I had surgery to remove it. I felt so sorry for myself until I saw some of the children there where I had mine removed then I just thought what have these babies done to deserve this sickness? When you live it reality will hit you in the face. I have children now and I would love to take them to St. Judes Hospitl so they can make friends with someone and give someone a friend. It is hard knowing that mine is gone with no treatments and then these children are so sick because of the treatments that it is hard for them to live normal lives. If some one doesn’t like the song they haven’t lived it or knew anyone who has. It is touching to me And it is great that Randy cares so much for these children that deserve more. We need a cure and now! Thank you Randy! You are great and will always be great to me! Lots of love to you and all these children, babies and adults with the disease that can kill!! Thank you.
March 5, 2008 at 11:50 am Permalink
Thank you Randy for a beautiful song. I just lost my great neice several weeks ago to neroblastoma.
She was only 5 years old and had her cancer for only 6 months. It was very hard for her family to watch her suffer from this cancer, but we all know she is now a little angel in heaven. All she wanted to do was be a little girl again and now she is. I hope she is riding her bike in heaven with all the other little angels that left this earth way too early!
March 14, 2008 at 6:37 am Permalink
I just heard this song for the first time and I cried my eyes out. I am a cancer survivor and until you walk in those shoes and down that path you will never be able to understand what it is like. This song is BEAUTIFUL and it is the simple things in life people take for granted. I no longer do and every day that I’m able to wake up and see the sunrise I thank God. Thanks for this song!
March 25, 2008 at 1:43 pm Permalink
i luv the song i can really relate to it i am goin through cancer right now i am 13 and the last thing my mom did was braid my hair before it fell out
thank you so much for the song!!!!
April 5, 2008 at 9:48 pm Permalink
I was in my truck today and heard the song for the first time. I usually do not listen to the radio, but this song was meant for me to hear. I have a granddaughter that this song could have been written about. I usually do not get emotional, but I just broke down and creid Thanks Randy for the song and your work with St Jude’s
April 12, 2008 at 7:18 pm Permalink
chriss n.
this is an issue that needs resolving. I am quite sorry you do not feeel the same way? this man has brought a controversy in front of us to face. i myself will do anything to help from gathering cans to making an effort to makingmy coworkers and everyine else know trhat this is somthing to be addressed. so when you say you hear it eveywhere in every song just rememember one ting people have it worse to make it a better place if we choose
August 25, 2008 at 12:35 pm Permalink
I have been trying to find this song ever since I heard Randy Owen’s sing it when he visited US 101 in Chattanoga. I love this song.
August 25, 2008 at 2:23 pm Permalink
Single’s for sale on iTunes, album’s out in November.
September 1, 2008 at 2:12 pm Permalink
We recently lost my five year old Niece to her battle with cancer a week ago. We had this song played at her services. Cause everything in this song is somthing that our family has gone throu at one point or another in her breif 5 years.
September 9, 2008 at 1:20 am Permalink
i love randy so much and he has done so much for so many people. my oldest child knows all the words to all of his albums including his alabama songs and his new releases all 3 of my children and my husband know by now that i would do anything to meet and listen to randy it is unbelievable. All of his songs have touched my heart in one way or another it is amazing they are so very special to me. keep up the GREAT WORK YOU ARE SO WONDERFUL
October 11, 2008 at 12:14 pm Permalink
Everytime i hear this song i cry so much.My frieds little sister had Leukemia she got it when she was 1 and it didnt go away until she was 11.When it went away she ended up having a brain tumor.About 2 months ago she pasted away.she was only 12 years old.That was probably the hardest thing i have ever had to do.I sat with her family every day for almost a month.She was fine all threw the day and that night she just got really sick and ever second she got worse.But this song helps me understand shes in a better place now and shes not in anymore pain.Kelsey always told me she wished she could just be a regular girl and go to school.but shes in gods hands now.We love and miss you so much Kelsey.Feb 25,1996-July 27,2008 :[.i love you babygirl<3
November 3, 2008 at 9:59 pm Permalink
Thank for the song! I am 42 and I have been blessed with no grey hair yet. I decided in June (2008) when my hair dresser started treatment for skin cancer to grow my hair out and donate it to the Locks of Love Program. I figure by March I will have at least 10 good inches to cut for a wig for a someone who would want rich brown hair. This song has made my has made me look forward to the day that I will be cutting my hair. Growing the hair out and putting up with the hair in my face is the easy part. Dealing with cancer…that is another story. My hair dresser, still going through treatments; but doing well, she will be the one to cut my hair. Hoping for a cure soon! May God Be With You Always!
November 22, 2008 at 9:03 pm Permalink
LOVE THIS SONG MY FRIEND IS GOING THROUGH THE SAME THING KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK RANDY
December 28, 2008 at 8:53 am Permalink
I love this song but I really need the lyrics for it
February 15, 2009 at 1:06 pm Permalink
I lost my daughter to cancer. The first timeI heard this song,and the second, and third, I cried my eyes out. This song is the most touching song that I have ever heard. I bought the CD.
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