Cole Swindell Celebrates Emotional No. 1 Single, ‘You Should Be Here’

The emotional ballad, penned by Swindell and co-writer Ashley Gorley, took on more than just lyrics to a page as the country singer made it a personal message about his dad suddenly passing away over three years ago.

Written by Kelly Brickey
Cole Swindell Celebrates Emotional No. 1 Single, ‘You Should Be Here’
Photo by Steve Lowry

Right before rocking the Bridgestone Arena in downtown Nashville, Cole Swindell and his crew got pumped up in the best way possible: celebrating the success of his No. 1 single, “You Should Be Here.” But unlike any other No. 1 party, this one was more special to Swindell than he could have ever described.

The emotional ballad, penned by Swindell and co-writer Ashley Gorley, took on more than just lyrics to a page as the country singer made it a personal message about his dad suddenly passing away over three years ago. While Swindell has seen his career blow up, nothing meant as much to him as this song making it big on the country charts.

“I get to know that somebody’s out there waiting on that first note of ‘You Should Be Here’ to hit. It’s just a big, huge honor to have a song like that because like I said earlier, I know how music makes me feel. I know how it affected my life and to have a song that touches that many people…I mean, I’ve been fortunate enough to have some hits, but nothing like this. And this is the reason I fell in love with country music,” Swindell told Sounds Like Nashville and other media outlets during a press interview.

Making it an all-too special occasion with his mom and other family members joining him at the downtown Nashville honkytonk to celebrate, the party also was livestreamed out to all of Swindell’s fans as the first-ever No. 1 party to be broadcasted online through his social media pages. Causing the country singer to get a little emotional during his thank you speech, he just kept true to his word by knowing that this song is bigger than just a track playing on the radio.

“It doesn’t have be just about my dad. It can be about something way bigger than that. That’s what I’ve learned. I knew when I released this song, I wanted to release something that would help people, but the minute it hit radio and the stories I started getting—I’m sure he’s heard stories as well—it’s crazy to think it’s that powerful and it’s helped me more than I think I ever wanted to help anybody else. I know I’m not alone and I knew that, but it’s just good to know that I get to hear stories every night at my meet and greet and it makes it all worth it, what we’re doing. Forget the No. 1—helping somebody through something…that’s way more important,” Swindell said.

Swindell will continue his time out on the road for his Down Home Tour in coordination with his EP, Down Home Sessions III, being released later this month. The country star will then take his talents on tour with Dierks Bentley and Jon Pardi during the beginning of 2017 on the What the Hell Tour. Fans can purchase tickets and learn more information about Swindell on his website.