Walker Hayes Offers More Insight Into ‘Craig’ Through Email Message
“I’ve met countless people who have been inspired by the song to give cars to families in need, pay it forward, adopting children, etc. in response to the song. It’s crazy what the story of Craig and me is causing," he explained in the note.
Walker Hayes’ latest single, “Craig,” is the gift that keeps on giving, and the singer is now sharing new details about the song inspired by the everyday hero that changed his life for the better.
It all started when Hayes met Craig at church one day, a man who ultimately became a friend and confidant during the family’s time of need. He went so far as to gift them a car big enough for the singer’s family, so their kids could wear seatbelts. Though Hayes offers a compelling snapshot of Craig and his selfless actions throughout the song, the singer reveals even more insight into how Craig impacted his life.
“There’s at least 3 pages of story that didn’t make it in the song. There was an entire verse about how from the stage, I could always see Craig in the back of the bar, talking someone’s ear off. I knew every time he was telling them how amazing he thought I was, how well I could write, that I’d be playing stadiums one day,” he explains in an email shared to social media. “There was also a verse about how Craig wasn’t rich, how his gesture truly was a sacrifice for his family to make by offering me their own van. There was so much to the story that I wanted to share.”
What started as a thank you letter to the person who made a profound impact on Hayes’ life has started a domino effect of people doing acts of kindness. Hayes details how fans have told him that after hearing the song, they’ve been motivated to follow Craig’s lead and give back to others.
“The reactions to ‘Craig’ have spoken. I’ve met countless people who are reminded of the ‘Craig’s’ in their lives. I’ve met countless people who are inspired to be like Craig,” he thoughtfully writes. “I’ve met countless people who have been inspired by the song to give cars to families in need, pay it forward, adopting children, etc. in response to the song. It’s crazy what the story of Craig and me is causing. And as an artist, that’s what it’s all about. Telling the world about things that change us. That’s why I had to put this song out.”
“Craig” is the second single off Hayes’ 2017 album, boom.
