When you think of Gainesville, images that come to mind are alligators, NCAA football teams, and energy drinks. But when the members of Sister Hazel think of Gainesville, they think of home and of their namesake: Sister Hazel Williams.

The band named themselves after a nun (yes, a nun), who is one of the most giving, caring, and generous people they have ever met. Sister Hazel (the woman, not the band), in her long life has achieved much. She's a community service powerhouse. She's opened up homes for the children of prisoners. She's been there time and time again for the homeless of Florida. She's received countless honors and recognitions for her services and good works. It's a fact: the city of Gainesville should be renamed Williamsville.

Likewise, Sister Hazel (the band, not the woman), is heavily involved in community outreach programs and charitable work. They started an organization called Lyrics for Life, a group that benefits cancer research. Their song, "Lay it Down," might as well be a theme song for giving of yourself – your time, your money, your energy, and your life (the lyrics call for you to "lay your cross on down").

There's a reason why the University of Florida in Gainesville is known as The Gators - they're all over the place! Here's one at nearby Paynes Prairie State Park.
Photo: Jesse Kunerth, Dreamstime

Ken Block, the lead singer of Sister Hazel (but not the only songwriter in the band), told Songfacts, "We've raised almost a million dollars for childhood cancer research and organizations that support the families and the kids. And that's been a way for me to kind of scratch that itch a little bit. And also seeing my kids, although I really wish my kids had been able to know my brother. There's a connection that I have with them that's very, very deep. I lost my brother when he was 18, so my memories of him, we were kids, and it's really cool to see him in my kids and have that kind of relationship, it's so powerful."

In addition to their own organization, the band is involved in numerous other charities, including Children's Home Society and Big Brothers/Big Sisters. Rarely does rock and roll take on such a selfless and almost religious feeling. Leave it to a band named after a nun to bridge the gap between the two. "Lay it Down" appears on the band's fifth studio album, Lift (an equally inspirational name). In the pre-chorus, Block sings, "When you're weak of holding on, release your wayward soul." Perfect.

Justin Novelli
March 7, 2016

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