In keeping with the soulful authenticity of his forthcoming sophomore album, Ed & Mary Margaret’s Son (Big Machine Records) – his most autobiographical work to date – DIAMOND-selling superstar Brian Kelley’s breathtaking new ballad “If I Go First” presents a deeply personal message to his wife Brittney, with whom he celebrated 10 years of marriage last December. Written solely by Kelley (like all of his October 25 release), 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. Listen here.

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.” Committed to absolute truthfulness in every aspect of his craft, fans can follow along with the making of the full-length project here. 

WATCH BRIAN KELLEY’S “IF I GO FIRST" 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.