The Tear-Jerking Vince Gill Track Inspired by a Real-Life Nashville Tragedy—Written From the Perspective of Grieving Parents

Country music often leans toward uplifting topics. Especially today, country music is the genre of summer. Of parties. Of the easy life. There are many assuaging country tracks that soothe the soul. However, country artists aren’t afraid of the somber sides of life either.

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Take Vince Gill‘s “Pretty Little Adriana” for example. Though the story behind this track is heartbreaking, it remains a beloved track. The palpable emotion behind this Gill hit has drawn listeners in since the mid-’90s. Uncover the meaning behind this song, below.

[RELATED: 3 Vince Gill Lyrics That Will Make Anyone Tear Up]

Behind the Tear-Jerking Meaning of Vince Gill’s “Pretty Little Adriana”

You sure have a pretty smile
It sure has been a while
Since I’ve felt your touch
You’ve got the sweetest way
I think about you every day
I miss you so much

Gill was inspired to write this track after reading about a real-life tragedy. In the mid-’90s, a young girl, Adriane Dickerson, was shot outside of a supermarket in Nashville, Tennessee. Naturally moved by this story, Gill decided to empathize with the parents of this story.

“Pretty Little Adriana” is written from the perspective of grieving parents. The lyrics see them speak to the things they miss about their child. It sure has been a while / Since I’ve felt your touch / You’ve got the sweetest way / I think about you every day, Gill sings in this painful song.

[RELATED: “Well, I Knew Dad Liked It”: Vince Gill Tearfully Recalls Opry Memory About His Dad, Little Jimmy Dickens (Exclusive)]

Though Gill doesn’t know the emotions in this song first hand, he does well in emulating them. It’s the mark of a great songwriter when they can step into the shoes of someone else and tell a visceral story.

Gill has many sad songs at his disposal, but few are as devastating as this one. While “Go Rest High on That Mountain” is Gill’s most famous somber ballad, this track is equally as revered. It’s impossible to get through this song with a dry eye. Revisit “Pretty Little Adriana,” below.

Oh my pretty little Adriana
Are you lonesome tonight
Oh my pretty little Adriana
I’ll find you when it all feels right

You’re so soft and innocent
The sweetest night I ever spent
Was being held in your embrace
You’re such a gentle soul
It’s killing me to know
When will I see your face

(Photo by Rusty Russell/Getty Images)