The powerful track is available during National Suicide Prevention Month
Brian Kelley brings his deeply affecting songwriting to a much-needed message of compassion and hope in times of despair with “Hold On, Cowboy,” via Big Machine Records.
“So many of us have lost friends or family way too early,” shares Kelley. “I pray this song brings hope to those struggling and gives them strength to hold on and keep fighting.”
Reflecting on the suicide of a male childhood friend of his wife Brittney while sitting at his kitchen table upon the one-year mark, Kelley was inspired to offer reassurance to anyone battling similar mental health struggles. With its release coinciding with National Suicide Prevention Month, “Hold On, Cowboy” also emerged from Kelley’s contemplation of certain sobering statistics, including the fact that men died by suicide 3.85 times more than women (as reported by the CDC in 2022) and that suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the US.
Despite its solemn subject matter, “Hold On, Cowboy” bears an undeniably hopeful mood thanks in part to the effortless warmth of Kelley’s vocal work and the soul-stirring impact of its sound. Produced by Katlin Owen and Caleb Gilbreath – and written solely by Kelley, like all of his forthcoming sophomore album, Ed & Mary Margaret’s Son, out October 25th – the track centers on a graceful arrangement of cascading piano melodies, gilded steel guitar tones, and lush mandolin work, reaching a profoundly soaring peak at its harmony-laced refrain.
