<\/p>\n
Dan + Shay<\/a> knew their new song was different the moment they wrote it.<\/p>\n In fact, they weren\u2019t even sure fans would be ready for it.<\/p>\n The duo’s upcoming single \u201cSay So\u201d pushes them into deeper territory than they\u2019ve ever gone before \u2014 and they seriously questioned<\/a> whether it might be too much.<\/p>\n In an interview with Variety<\/em><\/a>, Dan + Shay opened up about \u201cSay So,\u201d which was inspired by the loss of a close friend and mentor, Warner Chappell Publishing head Ben Vaughn<\/strong>, who died by suicide in 2025.<\/p>\n Read More:\u00a0<\/strong><\/em>11 Country Songs That Address Depression\/Mental Health<\/a><\/p>\n Dan Smyers said the song grew out of conversations the two had with friends after Vaughn\u2019s death. \u201cIt was one of those things where no one saw it coming,\u201d Smyers said. \u201cAt least we didn\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n The opening lines reflect that shock and confusion<\/a>, touching on the kind of pain people often carry without others realizing.<\/p>\n For a duo known largely for love songs, the shift in tone gave them pause. Shay Mooney said they went back and forth on whether the song fit their audience.<\/p>\n \u201cWe were going back and forth asking, \u2018Man, is this song too heavy<\/a> for Dan + Shay?\u2019\u201d he shared.<\/p>\n Read More:\u00a0<\/strong><\/em>The 26 Best Country Love Songs of the Last 26 Years<\/a><\/p>\n The hesitation wasn\u2019t just about their sound \u2014 it was also about how listeners might receive something so personal.<\/p>\n Both Smyers and Mooney said the subject matter isn\u2019t distant for them<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve personally dealt with mental health stuff over the last few years, more so than ever,\u201d Smyers said. \u201cWe battle a lot of stuff inside and outside of ourselves.\u201d<\/p>\n Mooney added that one of the hardest parts of mental health struggles is how invisible they can be.<\/p>\n Read More:\u00a0<\/strong><\/em>The 30 Most Depressing Country Songs of All Time, Ranked<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cNo matter what it looks like on the outside<\/a>, you never know what somebody\u2019s battling with on the inside,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n While the song begins in a heavy place, the duo says it doesn\u2019t stay there.<\/p>\n Mooney explained that while the first verse reflects their friend\u2019s story, the rest of the song is meant to offer hope<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cWe were just like, \u2018Man, I wish we would\u2019ve known. I wish we could have reminded him that there\u2019s always somebody on the other line,\u2019\u201d Smyers said.<\/p>\n \u201cSay So\u201d is set to be released Friday (April 3).<\/p>\n If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges, emotional distress, substance use problems, or just needs to talk, call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org<\/a>, available 24\/7.<\/em><\/p>\n These 10 country legends gave memorable final performances before they died. In some cases, the artist knew it would be their last show and were able to choose a special song for the occasion. In other cases, no one had any reason to suspect that that show would be their last, but their last songs onstage were still eerily prophetic.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Gallery Credit: Carena Liptak<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nA Song That Hits Close to Home<\/h3>\n
Too Heavy?<\/h3>\n
A Reality They Know Too Well<\/h3>\n
A Message Beyond the Darkness<\/h3>\n
Haunting Final Songs: 10 Stars’ Last Performances Before They Died<\/h2>\n