Don Williams, the beloved country music icon, once confided to his audience that the song “I Believe In You” resonated with him like no other. He emphasized the profound personal connection he had with the lyrics, making it a standout in his illustrious career. Interestingly, the creation of this timeless song underwent a fascinating journey within the studio.
The genesis of “I Believe In You” can be traced back to songwriter Roger Cook. He initially penned the song but held onto it for approximately a year, haunted by his dissatisfaction with the lyrics. In 1979, seeking to breathe new life into the song, he enlisted the help of fellow songwriter Sam Hogin for a rewriting endeavor.
This song was a melting pot of ideas drawn from various aspects of society, politics, and economics, elegantly woven into a simple, heartfelt declaration. Yet, even after the collaborative efforts of Cook and Hogin, “I Believe In You” underwent multiple revisions, with the creative process even extending to the demo session. It was during this session that the second verse was refined while the musicians jammed alongside.
The pivotal moment came when Cook shared the demo with producer Garth Fundis. A rather unassuming act, Fundis played the song for Don Williams towards the end of a studio session. Don, silently engrossed, closed his eyes and absorbed every note and lyric. When the song concluded, he turned to Garth and uttered the words, “Play it again.”
Musically, the artist and producer remained faithful to the original Cook/Hogin demo, preserving its essence note for note. However, some lyrical alterations were made, such as replacing lines like “I believe in rock and roll,” “Sometimes I don’t give a damn,” and “The rising cost of getting high.” Don also requested one more modification: the inclusion of a bridge, a staple element in most country songs. Cook and Hogin readily embraced this suggestion.
“I Believe In You” went on to become Don’s crowning achievement, scaling the heights of success by claiming the coveted #1 spot on Billboard’s country singles chart for two consecutive weeks starting from October 18, 1980. Impressively, it also made its mark on Billboard’s Hot 100 pop chart, peaking at #24, marking Don Williams’ sole appearance on that chart as a solo artist. On December 2, 1980, the “I Believe In You” album earned gold record status, his second, and the following October, the Country Music Association bestowed upon it the prestigious title of “Album of the Year.” This song’s journey from inception to stardom is a testament to its enduring appeal and the remarkable synergy between Don Williams, Roger Cook, Sam Hogin, and Garth Fundis.
Album: Some Broken Hearts Never Mend
Artist: Don Williams
Released: 1977
Nominations: Academy of Country Music Award for Single of the Year
Lyrics
I don’t believe in superstars
Organic food and foreign cars
I don’t believe the price of gold
The certainty of growing old
That right is right and left is wrong
That north and south can’t get along
That east is east and west is west
And being first is always best
But I believe in love
I believe in babies
I believe in mom and dad
And I believe in you
Well I don’t believe that heaven waits
For only those who congregate
I like to think of God as love
He’s down below, he’s up above
He’s watching people everywhere
He knows who does and doesn’t care
And I’m an ordinary man
Sometimes I wonder who I am
But I believe in love
I believe in music
I believe in magic
And I believe in you
I know with all my certainty
What’s going on with you and me
Is a good thing
It’s true, I believe in you
I don’t believe virginity
Is as common as it used to be
In working days and sleeping nights
That black is black and white is white
That Superman and Robin Hood
Are still alive in Hollywood
That gasoline’s in short supply
The rising cost of getting by
But I believe in love
I believe in old folks
I believe in children
I believe in you
I believe in love
I believe in babies
I believe in mom and dad
And I believe in you
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