One of the standout moments on Lainey Wilson’s brand-new album, Whirlwind, is the deeply moving track “Whiskey Colored Crayon.”
Wilson, known for her powerful storytelling, poured her heart into this 14-track project, co-writing every song. True to her signature style, Whirlwind blends themes of perseverance, heartbreak, and love—with a little humor sprinkled in for good measure. But “Whiskey Colored Crayon” immediately sets itself apart.
A Story That Hits Home
Though Wilson hasn’t personally lived the story in “Whiskey Colored Crayon,” her upbringing—raised by a teacher and steeped in country music’s storytelling traditions—gave her the tools to bring this heartbreaking yet hopeful tale to life. Co-written with Josh Kear and Wyatt McCubbin, the song paints a vivid picture of a young boy in Kindergarten, asked to draw his home.
But his drawing reveals more than just walls and windows—it tells the truth about his family’s struggles. His sketch includes his mother, siblings, and a father absent due to alcoholism.
🎶 “A little red house with a little green tree / A little blue car parked out on the street / Brother with a football, sister with a puppy dog / Mama with a smile and a church dress on / Then he raised his hand / Said teacher I can’t draw daddy / Do you have a whiskey colored crayon?” 🎶
The moment is a gut punch—raw and unfiltered. When the teacher shares the drawing with the boy’s mother, emotions spill over.
🎶 “She didn’t know what to say, but her mascara rained.” 🎶
Then, the story takes an unexpected turn. The child’s innocent yet painful artwork becomes a wake-up call. In the final verse, listeners learn that it inspired his father to change his life:
🎶 “He stood up in that circle / Said I’m sober seven years / And all because our little boy drew this picture here.” 🎶
The Power of Storytelling
Producer Jay Joyce keeps the production intimate, allowing the lyrics to take center stage. The song doesn’t just tell a story—it makes you feel it.
Wilson, the reigning ACM and CMA Entertainer of the Year, opened up about her deep love for storytelling in an interview with Zane Lowe on Apple Music 1:
“I got bit by the storytelling bug from my parents, sitting around the kitchen table and telling stories from their childhood… Every single time we’d hear them, I’d catch something new. I’d laugh in a place I didn’t the time before. I just loved storytelling.”
That passion shines through in “Whiskey Colored Crayon.” It’s more than a song—it’s a moment, a message, and a testament to the power of country music.
With Whirlwind, Lainey Wilson reminds us why she’s one of country’s most compelling voices today.
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