One of the most powerful songs to date from DIAMOND-selling superstar Brian Kelley, “Hold On, Cowboy” (Big Machine Records) brings his deeply affecting songwriting to a much-needed message of compassion and hope in times of despair. Listen here.

“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 against 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 U.S. 

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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 25 – 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 (“So, hold on, cowboy, hold on, hold on / Life can be bucked up, feels like your luck’s up / But just keep on holding strong / If you fall you get back up / Show ‘em what cowboys do / Hold on, cowboy, tomorrow needs you”). Meanwhile, Kelley’s lyrics embody an unforgettably tender spirit of empathy and understanding without ever turning heavy-handed (“I ain’t sayin’ I’m in your boots / But I prolly got a pair kinda like ‘em / We all got things we’re going through / And we all got demons we’re fighting / I’m here with an ear, day or night / There’s nothing that I wouldn’t do / So, hold on, cowboy, tomorrow needs you”). The follow-up to his boldly unapologetic “Put Myself On,” “Hold On, Cowboy” ultimately serves as a testament to Kelley’s fierce commitment to showcasing the full expanse of his artistry and perspective. 

Hot off a SOLD-OUT set this summer plus a SOLD-OUT fall launch last week, Kelley’s SURF POST SESSIONS continues tonight (9/27). Hosted in the backyard of the Tribe Kelley Surf Post in Grayton Beach, FL, the store is run by the Kelleys, and is fully stocked with Tribe Kelley brand items. Fans can purchase tickets to his SURF POST SESSIONS here.

Watch the "Hold On, Cowboy" lyric video

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ABOUT BRIAN KELLEY:
DIAMOND-selling superstar Brian Kelley enters the next chapter of a record-breaking, history-making career with his sophomore album, Ed & Mary Margaret’s Son, releasing October 25. A follow-up to his debut Tennessee Truth and the Deluxe edition via Big Machine Records, Kelley is writing the forthcoming full-length project solely by himself. With a sold-out run of headline shows and SURF POST SESSIONS on tap, after back-to-back residencies at Tribe Kelley Surf Post in Grayton Beach, FL – owned by the Ormond Beach native and his wife Brittney – Kelley continues to diversify his thriving enterprise with collaborations including Tribe Kelley (with Brittney), Papa Surf Burger Bar (with Brittney; Jason and Brittany Aldean; Tom and Chris Glavine), and a partnership with Real American Beer. First known as the Florida half of the GRAMMY-nominated Florida Georgia Line, the ACM Breakout Artist of the Decade Award recipients garnered 19 career #1s and became the first and only act to achieve two RIAA DIAMOND singles in Country music history (14X PLATINUM #1s: “Cruise” and “Meant to Be” with Bebe Rexha). Surpassing 17 billion global streams, selling more than 40 million tracks and 4.8 million albums worldwide, plus playing to over 4 million fans, FGL has been honored by AMA, Billboard, CMA, and CMT Music Awards, as well as having a Florida Georgia Line: Mix It Up Strong exhibit at Nashville’s Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.