Unveiling the Tale Behind Kenny Rogers’s “She Believes in Me”
Every great song has a story, and Kenny Rogers‘s chart-topping hit, “She Believes in Me,” is no exception. Penned by talented songwriter Steve Gibb, this captivating track captured the hearts of listeners across genres, reaching the pinnacle of success on multiple charts in 1979.
During his fruitful five-year collaboration with producer Larry Butler, Kenny Rogers became known for his ability to work swiftly and efficiently. The duo had developed a system where Butler sifted through an extensive selection of songs, carefully curating around 30 choices for each album. Rogers would then make his decision after just one or two listens.
Rogers’s approach was refreshingly straightforward. By working swiftly, he managed to avoid the risk of growing tired of a song before its completion. He thrived on the excitement of entering the studio, recording a track that had caught his attention, and promptly sharing it with the world. This way, the melody remained vibrant and captivating for both the artist and his audience.
As a result, the pre-production responsibilities largely fell into the capable hands of Butler. He meticulously ironed out the finer details, such as arrangements and keys, before the recording sessions even began. Once the talented musicians were “on the clock,” the creative process swiftly unfolded.
Butler firmly believed that the fundamental role of record-makers was to evoke emotions. However, he also understood that emotions couldn’t be stretched indefinitely. They either resonated instantly or failed to materialize at all. This philosophy came to life with the release of the album “The Gambler,” which soared to unprecedented heights, selling a staggering one million copies within a mere three months.
The success of the album paved the way for the release of the second single, “She Believes in Me,” in April 1979. Butler had already handpicked the songs for the album when he stumbled upon this particular gem. In the early hours of the morning, while working late at the office, he encountered the raw demo of the track.
Deeply moved by what he heard, Butler played the tape repeatedly, trying to decipher whether his affinity for the song stemmed from its intimate connection to songwriters or if its message resonated universally across various professions. Eventually, he concluded that the story within the song had the power to touch anyone, thus securing its rightful place on the album.
Unsurprisingly, “She Believes in Me” swiftly ascended to the summit of the country charts, claiming the coveted number one spot on June 9, 1979. However, its charm transcended genres, reaching an impressive position of number five on Billboard’s Hot 100 pop chart and securing the top position on Billboard’s adult contemporary chart. The song’s universal appeal propelled it to sell over a million copies, solidifying its status as a timeless classic.
For Kenny Rogers, “She Believes in Me” marked yet another milestone in his illustrious career. It became his third top-ten pop hit, foreshadowing seven more to come, and his fifth number one hit on the country charts. Over the years, an additional sixteen records from Rogers would reign supreme on Billboard’s country singles chart, with his final triumph being the 2000 hit “Buy Me a Rose.” At the age of 61, Kenny Rogers briefly held the record as the oldest performer to achieve a Billboard number one country hit until 70-year-old Willie Nelson surpassed it in 2003 with “Beer for My Horses,” a remarkable duet with Toby Keith.
As fate would have it, Larry Butler’s dedication and late nights at the office paid off splendidly in 1980 when he became the sole Nashville-based producer to receive the prestigious Grammy Award for “Producer of the Year” solely for his exceptional work with Kenny Rogers. Ironically, it was also the same year that marked the end of their collaboration as they amicably went their separate ways, cherishing the timeless music they had created together.
The story behind Kenny Rogers’s “She Believes in Me” is a testament to the power of musical connections, swift decision-making, and the lasting impact of emotive storytelling. It serves as a reminder of the magic that can unfold when talented artists and producers unite, leaving an indelible mark on the world of music.
Artist: Kenny Rogers
Released: 1978
Album: The Gambler
Nominations: Grammy Award for Song of the Year
Genre: Country
Lyrics
While she lays sleeping
I stay out late at night and play my songs
And sometimes all the nights can be so long
And it’s good when I finally make it home, all alone
While she lays dreaming
I try to get undressed without the light
And quietly she says, “How was your night?”
And I come to her and say
“It was all right, ” and I hold her tight
And she believes in me
I’ll never know just what she sees in me
I told her someday if she was my girl
I could change the world
With my little songs, I was wrong
But she has faith in me
And so I go on trying faithfully
And who knows maybe on some special night
If my song is right
I will find a way
Find a way
While she lays waiting
I stumble to the kitchen for a bite
Then I see my old guitar in the night
Just waiting for me like a secret friend
And there’s no end while she lays crying
I fumble with a melody or two
And I’m torn between the things that I should do
And she says to wake her up when I am through
God, her love is true
And she believes in me
I’ll never know just what she sees in me
I told her someday if she was my girl
I could change the world
With my little songs, I was wrong
But she has faith in me
And so I go on trying faithfully
And who knows maybe on some special night
If my song is right
I will find a way
While she waits
While she waits
For me
