Just in time for Father’s Day, Nate Smith has released what may be his most gut-wrenching song yet. Out now, “Dads Don’t Die” offers a deeply emotional tribute to the lasting presence of a father’s love, even after he’s gone. Smith paired the release with a performance video as well as a bonus duet version featuring GRAMMY-winning co-writer Emily Weisband.
With vivid imagery, the multi-platinum hitmaker captures the everyday ways grief continues to show up in our lives. At the heart of the tune, he sends the comforting message that while a father figure may physically be gone, his legacy will live on forever in small ways like passing down his toolbox or keeping his number in the phone.
The chorus turns that powerful grief into reassurance as Smith sings, “Dads don’t die/ They still make you laugh/ Still make you cry/ Still make you mad the day it dawns/ That you were wrong and he was right/ Dads don’t die/ And neither does the love they leave behind/ That’s the holy truth I’ll hold onto/ Until I see you in the next life/ Where there’s no pain, no goodbyes/ Dads don’t die.”
Produced by Joël Bruyère and written by Marc Beeson, Allen Shamblin, and Emily Weisband, “Dads Don’t Die” pairs Smith’s soulful vocals with a stunning piano arrangement, adding tremendous layers of depth to every note. It came together with a group of A-list session musicians, including guitarists Tim Galloway and Derek Wells.
After debuting the song live, Smith received outpouring wave of support from fans, who quickly began asking for an official release. Now with over 2.5 BILLION global career streams, he shared that adding “Dads Don’t Die” to his growing collection of hits an incredible honor.
“I’ll never forget the day Emily [Weisband] sent me this song. I broke down in tears the very first listen. It hit me straight in the heart,” admits Smith. “‘Dads never die… they live on in us, and through us.’ I’d never heard it said quite like that. I’m incredibly close with my dad and beyond grateful he’s still here. The thought of losing him is my greatest fear. My heart goes out to everyone who has lost their father. I hope this song brings comfort, healing, and a little light to anyone walking through that pain.”
He continued, “What makes this song even more powerful is how it gently touches on forgiveness. Whether you’ve lost your dad, miss him deeply, or are still working through things with him – I hope this song finds you. What matters is that it reaches the people who need it most. I truly believe this is the most meaningful song I’ve ever been a part of.”
On the bonus version of “Dads Don’t Die,” Emily Weisband brings an added layer of warmth and vulnerability to the song’s heartfelt message. A sought-after songwriter with credits for hitmakers like Gabby Barrett, Old Dominion, and Carly Pearce and many more, Weisband takes on the second verse before joining Smith in a powerful, harmony-filled chorus.
The performance video, directed by Kaiser Cunningham, captures Smith’s powerful connection to the song and showcases the raw intensity he delivers on stage each night.
Nate Smith recently revealed that he has been forced to cancel a few appearances on the Jason Aldean tour due to vocal issues. He is on vocal rest through the end of June and is under the care of doctors.
The post Nate Smith’s Tearjerking ‘Dads Don’t Die’ Is A Tribute To Fathers Gone Too Soon appeared first on Country Now.