The Paris, IL, native was visiting Nashville for the first time early in his sophomore year at Chicago's Elmhurst College. He was at the Station Inn, an historic bluegrass/country venue where many of the greats of both worlds have played. His cousin Terry, a veteran of Dolly Parton's band and now a member of the Grascals, was playing with a band called the Sidemen, and a mesmerized Brett was in the crowd.
"There was something so real and truthful about the songs they were playing," he says. “What happened next came as a shock.”
"He asked me to come up on stage and told me to pick a song to play with the band," says Brett. I said, 'Amarillo By Morning,' and when I heard that fiddle intro, chills shot up my spine. I sang it for the crowd there and it was a magical experience. That was the point where I thought, 'This is it. This is something I've got to do.'"
By the start of the next school year, he had transferred to Middle Tennessee State University and begun the round of writers' nights and writing appointments that led him eventually to a record deal.
The talent that let him turn that dream into reality—the depth of his writing and the sheer power of his smoky and expressive baritone—are both apparent in his first single. "Raymond" is the poignant tale of a nursing home employee mistaken by a patient with Alzheimer's for her deceased son, who was killed at war. It is a song whose inspiring reaffirmation of their mutual humanity is affecting listeners deeply. The single rings true for Eldredge as his Grandmother currently struggles through the disease.
"There are a lot of things I'll play live where people will say, 'I like that,' or 'That's a really cool song,'" Brett says, "but when I do this one, I get the chance to tell people how special a thing it's been in my life, and it always touches someone. A lot of people know someone with Alzheimer's and people react in a really emotional way to it."
Brett has earned a reputation as much for the strength of his writing as for his world-class voice. He and co-writer Pat McLaughlin landed a song called "I Think I've Had Enough" on Gary Allan's latest album, Get Off On The Pain, and one of his frequent collaborators is Country Music Hall of Famer and Grand Ole Opry stalwart Bill Anderson.
"He's one of my favorite people to write with," says Brett. "I love the fact that he believes in country music so much, because it's something I really believe in. My dream, as I find my place in country music, is one day to be an Opry member."
Brett heard all kinds of music growing up, and became a particular fan of the classic pop singers he heard in his grandfather's car.
"I heard a lot of Frank Sinatra, who is still a favorite of mine, and Ray Charles and Bobby Darin," he says. "When my mother convinced me to sing 'Mack The Knife' at a talent show, I got hooked on singing in public."
That was in Paris, a town of 9,000 with "cornfields and factories and lake right in the middle." Brett, his older brother and his parents—a traveling grain salesman and a nurse—lived on the lake and, says Brett, "We were on the water every day, from the time I was so little they could pull me on water skis in a paddle boat until I left for college at 18." Sports were a big part of his life, and he played basketball, baseball and football in high school.
He also sang everywhere he could, often the Big Band music of Sinatra, earning spending money and learning to work a stage. His appreciation for country music became a passion when he turned 16 and he and a friend rode around listening to a Brooks & Dunn greatest hits album.
"There was something about it that just struck me," he says. "I couldn't get enough of it. Ronnie Dunn is one of my favorite singers of all time—I love the soul in his voice—and one of the main reasons I got into this in the first place."
Brett spent two years in Chicago, where his older brother lived, performing with a school jazz band and with a Big Band around the region.
"One of the coolest gigs," he says, "was at the Field Museum, I was singing in front of a 12-piece band under this huge Tyrannosaurus Rex statue near some mammoths. It was quite the experience."
Then came that fateful visit to Nashville and his transfer to MTSU. He studied classic country stylists like Ray Price and George Jones, and later Vince Gill, absorbing everything he could.
"I was driving back and forth Nashville every day from Murfreesboro, which is thirty miles away," he says. "I had a guitar Terry had given me, which was originally a gift from Dolly, and I'd pretty much lock myself in my room and make myself learn songs. I would play writers' nights all around Nashville. There might be two people, there might be 40 or 50. I'd go play my songs and see what people liked and what they didn't. I'd screw up royally in front of them, but I learned."
He earned a degree, which, he says, "made Mom and Dad happy, and then I moved on to what I really wanted to do.
A staff writer for hit producer/publisher Byron Gallimore heard him at a writers' night and introduced him to Byron, who signed him.
"I wrote for about two years, developing my craft and writing with everyone I could. In the beginning, Byron just let me kind of find myself, because that takes a while. As you write more you starting homing in on what you sound good on. Eventually, Byron said, 'You've got something here' and we went in and started cutting songs. We did a showcase, and Carole Ann Mobley from Warner Music Nashville said, 'We've gotta sign this kid'. Mobley and Craig Kallman then signed Brett to Atlantic Records, making him the first official signing for the new imprint.
As he worked with his band tightening his show, he was offered a particularly gratifying gig.
"I opened for Blake Shelton at The Ryman and it was the coolest experience. I flew back from this house gig and all of a sudden I'm thrown into playing the Mother Church of Country Music, something I always dreamed of doing. I was operating on almost no sleep, but stepping out on that stage where everybody who's anybody in country music has been meant the world to me."
He remains active in sports, playing basketball and volleyball and playing on an intramural softball team in Nashville, and rooting for the Cubs and Bears. Meanwhile, he is dedicated to improving his craft.
"As a songwriter," he says, "my aim is to portray a little bit of me and my life along with the stories of other people and turn them into something that can really touch somebody's heart and soul. We sit down on Music Row every day and write songs and every once in a while a song like ‘Raymond’ comes from such a real place. I hope it's that real to other people and that I can make them feel the way I felt when I wrote it and when I sing it."
Judging from audience reaction, that’s exactly what he’s doing.
Phone Call To God
Brett Eldredge Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I found on the floorboard
It's stamped in silver that I should trust You
So I gather all the courage that I can muster
And I drop it in the slot
Here I am
Just a man
Makin' a phone call to God
Will the sound of Your voice burn up the lines?
I wonder if You'll answer all the wonders why
Hallelujah
Will I find my place, my piece of mind?
Will I get her back if I give you time?
Hallelujah
Or maybe it's just better I don't know
How it's gonna end or how it's gonna go
Regrets and mistakes
And all the hearts that I did break
Will I ever get to see my grandma's face
With all the hell that I have raised?
I know she's up there
Shakin' her head & sayin' a prayer
Am I breakin' up or am I clear?
When I hang up do You just disappear?
Could you hand off the phone to my Uncle Joe?
He'd tell me if the streets are really paved with gold
Hallelujah
With both sides on their knees down to the end
How do You choose who's gonna lose & win?
Good at talkin'
Maybe I should be listenin'
Oh is this real or just a dream?
Yeah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Sometimes it feels just like the whole world's bleedin'
Heal my unbelief & keep those angels singin'
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
(Hallelujah)
I've read every word You say
(Hallelujah)
Every word written in red
(Hallelujah)
Come on, heal my broken heart
(Hallelujah)
Makin' a phone call to God
(Hallelujah)
Hallelujah
You got the whole world in Your hands
(Hallelujah)
Hallelujah. Can you hear my prayer?
(Hallelujah)
I'm makin' a phone call
"Phone Call To God" by Brett Eldredge is a heartfelt song that explores themes of faith, uncertainty, and seeking guidance. The lyrics depict the singer finding a quarter on the floorboard, which serves as a symbol of trust in God. With courage, he drops the quarter in a slot and proceeds to make a phone call to God. Through this act, the singer expresses his longing for answers and reassurance.
The first verse emphasizes the singer's vulnerability as he wonders if God will answer his call and address the many wonders and questions he has. He asks if he will find his place and peace of mind, and if he can regain what he has lost. The mention of regrets, mistakes, and broken hearts alludes to the guilt and remorse the singer feels. He also mentions his late grandmother and wonders if he will ever get to see her again.
In the second verse, the singer asks God to hand the phone to his Uncle Joe, expressing a desire for his wisdom and perspective. He questions how God chooses who wins and who loses in life, and raises the idea of listening more and talking less. The recurring refrain of "Hallelujah" throughout the song evokes a sense of longing, surrender, and hope for divine intervention and guidance. The song concludes with a plea for healing, the acknowledgment of God's power, and the singer's prayer reaching out to a higher power.
Line by Line Meaning
On the back of a quarter
Using a quarter as a symbol of trust and guidance
I found on the floorboard
Discovering a newfound sense of faith and belief
It's stamped in silver that I should trust You
Seeing a sign that encourages placing trust in a higher power
So I gather all the courage that I can muster
Summoning one's bravery to make a significant decision
And I drop it in the slot
Taking the leap of faith and reaching out to a higher power
Here I am
Presenting oneself in vulnerability and openness
Just a man
Acknowledging one's humanity and limitations
Makin' a phone call to God
Seeking a connection with a divine presence
Will the sound of Your voice burn up the lines?
Wondering if the response from a higher power will be overwhelming
I wonder if You'll answer all the wonders why
Questioning if a higher power will provide answers to life's mysteries
Hallelujah
Expressing praise and adoration
Will I find my place, my piece of mind?
Seeking a sense of belonging and inner peace
Will I get her back if I give you time?
Hoping for the return of a loved one by trusting in divine timing
Or maybe it's just better I don't know
Considering the possibility that ignorance might bring peace
How it's gonna end or how it's gonna go
Contemplating the uncertainty of future outcomes
Regrets and mistakes
Reflecting on past missteps and wrongdoings
And all the hearts that I did break
Feeling remorse for causing emotional pain to others
Will I ever get to see my grandma's face
Longing for a reunion with a deceased loved one
With all the hell that I have raised?
Acknowledging the consequences of one's own actions
I know she's up there
Believing in the existence of an afterlife
Shakin' her head & sayin' a prayer
Imagining a deceased loved one's reaction and support
Am I breakin' up or am I clear?
Questioning the clarity and effectiveness of the communication
When I hang up do You just disappear?
Wondering if a higher power's presence is only felt during prayer
Could you hand off the phone to my Uncle Joe?
Requesting a connection to a deceased family member
He'd tell me if the streets are really paved with gold
Desiring insight into the unknown aspects of the afterlife
With both sides on their knees down to the end
Imagining a scene of collective prayer and humility
How do You choose who's gonna lose & win?
Questioning the divine decision-making process
Good at talkin'
Recognizing one's own ability to express oneself verbally
Maybe I should be listenin'
Suggesting the importance of being receptive and attentive
Oh is this real or just a dream?
Questioning the authenticity and reality of the experience
Hallelujah
Expressing praise and adoration
Sometimes it feels just like the whole world's bleedin'
Experiencing the pain and turmoil of the world
Heal my unbelief & keep those angels singin'
Requesting healing and affirmation of faith from a divine source
Hallelujah
Expressing praise and adoration
I've read every word You say
Engaging with religious texts and teachings
Every word written in red
Referring to the words of Jesus Christ in the Bible
Come on, heal my broken heart
Seeking emotional and spiritual healing
Makin' a phone call to God
Attempting to establish a connection with a higher power
You got the whole world in Your hands
Recognizing the power and authority of a higher power
Hallelujah
Expressing praise and adoration
Can you hear my prayer?
Questioning if a higher power is listening and attentive
I'm makin' a phone call
Taking active steps to reach out and communicate
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: TOM DOUGLAS, BRETT ELDREDGE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Real GuyWithATie
On the back of a quarter
I found on the floorboard
It's stamped in silver that I should trust You
So I gather all the courage that I can muster
And I drop it in the slot
Here I am
Just a man
Makin' a phone call to God
Will the sound of Your voice burn up the lines?
I wonder if You'll answer all the wonders why
Hallelujah
Will I find my place, my piece of mind?
Will I get her back if I give you time?
Hallelujah
Or maybe it's just better I don't know
How it's gonna end or how it's gonna go
Regrets and mistakes
And all the hearts that I did break
Will I ever get to see my grandma's face
With all the hell that I have raised?
I know she's up there
Shakin' her head & sayin' a prayer
Am I breakin' up or am I clear?
When I hang up do You just disappear?
Could you hand off the phone to my Uncle Joe?
He'd tell me if the streets are really paved with gold
Hallelujah
With both sides on their knees down to the end
How do You choose who's gonna lose & win?
Good at talkin'
Maybe I should be listenin'
Oh is this real or just a dream?
Yeah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Sometimes it feels just like the whole world's bleedin'
Heal my unbelief & keep those angels singin'
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
(Hallelujah)
I've read every word You say
(Hallelujah)
Every word written in red
(Hallelujah)
Come on, heal my broken heart
(Hallelujah)
Makin' a phone call to God
(Hallelujah)
Hallelujah
You got the whole world in Your hands
(Hallelujah)
Hallelujah. Can you hear my prayer?
(Hallelujah)
I'm makin' a phone call
Andrea Newman
I make a phone call to God daily. He is my strength and peace of mind when the world is uncertain! Love this song that Brett sings is such a blessing!
Justin Lamar Carter
I love this song! It's so transparent. "I'm good at talking. Maybe I should be listening." AMEN!!!
Sallirose M
Beautiful 😍 great job Brett!
mandy bri
Sallirose M hey check out my cover subscribe sing old new country music
Carol Simchak
Beautiful song!! I loved the movie and all the music is great!
Savannah JoBeth Lee
Beautiful song Brett!!! I love it so much!! God is truly amazing!! It reminds me of that day when I felt God speaking to me letting me know he was by my side and that I needed to go with my family that night!!
Real GuyWithATie
On the back of a quarter
I found on the floorboard
It's stamped in silver that I should trust You
So I gather all the courage that I can muster
And I drop it in the slot
Here I am
Just a man
Makin' a phone call to God
Will the sound of Your voice burn up the lines?
I wonder if You'll answer all the wonders why
Hallelujah
Will I find my place, my piece of mind?
Will I get her back if I give you time?
Hallelujah
Or maybe it's just better I don't know
How it's gonna end or how it's gonna go
Regrets and mistakes
And all the hearts that I did break
Will I ever get to see my grandma's face
With all the hell that I have raised?
I know she's up there
Shakin' her head & sayin' a prayer
Am I breakin' up or am I clear?
When I hang up do You just disappear?
Could you hand off the phone to my Uncle Joe?
He'd tell me if the streets are really paved with gold
Hallelujah
With both sides on their knees down to the end
How do You choose who's gonna lose & win?
Good at talkin'
Maybe I should be listenin'
Oh is this real or just a dream?
Yeah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Sometimes it feels just like the whole world's bleedin'
Heal my unbelief & keep those angels singin'
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
(Hallelujah)
I've read every word You say
(Hallelujah)
Every word written in red
(Hallelujah)
Come on, heal my broken heart
(Hallelujah)
Makin' a phone call to God
(Hallelujah)
Hallelujah
You got the whole world in Your hands
(Hallelujah)
Hallelujah. Can you hear my prayer?
(Hallelujah)
I'm makin' a phone call
CELIE MG
Very beautiful ♥️Faith is magic 🙏🏻
Mark Senter
Beautiful, Brett...congrats!
z71txman
Very touching song!