Brian Kelley pens ‘If I Go First’ to his wife

The song is the latest from his upcoming sophomore album

Brian Kelley has released a breathtaking new ballad, “If I Go First,” he penned for his wife Brittney. The couple will celebrate their 11th wedding anniversary in December. Written solely by Kelley, the lovingly delivered track reckons with one of life’s hardest truths: the fact that the people we cherish most will one day pass on.

Lit up in lilting guitar tones and Kelley’s warm vocal work, “If I Go First” opens with a bit of gentle reflection on their truly charmed romance (“And I’d marry you a hundred times if I could / Our love was a storybook”), then imparts a heart-melting promise at the harmony-laced chorus (“You’re the light of my life on this earth / I’ll hold down Heaven / If I go first”). In a particularly poignant turn, the track’s second verse shares a detailed glimpse into the couple’s life together (including a reference to their five dogs) and offers up further words of tender reassurance (“You gotta put my ring around your necklace / And I’ll be with you every single second / Our circle won’t be broken / You’ll always be protected”). Produced by Katlin Owen and Caleb Gilbreath, and graced with so many stunning flourishes (delicate piano melodies, bittersweet banjo, and swooning steel guitar), “If I Go First” ultimately makes for a powerful new entry into the pantheon of classic Country love songs.

“If I Go First” once again achieves the kind of courageous honesty from Kelley that leaves a lasting impression on the listener’s heart. Continuing to roll out early releases from Ed & Mary Margaret’s Son, he recently delivered a much-needed message of compassion and hope with “Hold On, Cowboy” during National Suicide Prevention Month – in honor of a childhood friend of Brittney’s – after first making a bold declaration with “Put Myself On.”

Buddy Iahn
Buddy Iahn