Dan + Shay Worried That New Song About Suicide Prevention ‘Say So’ Was ‘Too Heavy’ for Fans

**Country Duo Dan + Shay Opens Up About Mental Health Struggles in New Single “Say So”**

Dan + Shay, the renowned country music duo, are set to release their latest single “Say So,” which addresses the critical matter of suicide prevention. The song is particularly poignant as it is dedicated to their late mentor, Ben Vaughn, who tragically took his own life in January 2025. The duo has shared their apprehensions about the single, revealing that they were initially unsure how their fans would receive such a heavy theme.

In an interview with Variety, Shay Mooney expressed the often-hidden challenges surrounding mental health. “That’s just a sad reality of mental health, that no matter what it looks like on the outside, you never know what somebody’s battling with on the inside,” he remarked. “Say So” is scheduled for release on Friday, April 3, providing a voice to those who might be feeling alone in their struggles.

The motivation behind “Say So” stems from a deep conversation between Dan Smyers and Mooney regarding their experiences and the shock of losing Vaughn. Smyers, reflecting on his late friend, explained, “It was one of those things where no one saw it coming.” This sentiment resonated deeply with both musicians, as they grappled with their own experiences with mental health challenges over the years.

The song’s opening lyrics capture the jarring nature of unexpected loss: “I got a call from a friend who don’t call very often / Broke it to me and I couldn’t believe that we lost him.” Smyers emphasised the pain that surfaces when one is left feeling helpless after such tragedies. He articulated the universal desire to have recognised Vaughn’s struggles, wishing they could have offered him support in his darkest moments.

Mooney revealed the duo’s internal debate about whether “Say So” was too emotionally charged for their audience, saying, “We were going back and forth asking, ‘Is this song too heavy for Dan + Shay?’” The pair acknowledged that while they often present an image of success and happiness, everyone, no matter how they appear on the outside, can face significant inner turmoil.

Both Smyers and Mooney have openly discussed their own mental health battles, alluding to a time when they considered stepping away from music altogether. “I had fallen out of love with music because I was chasing the wrong thing. I was chasing social media,” Smyers shared. These comments shed light on the pressures faced by artists in today’s digital landscape and the toll it can take on their mental well-being.

Reflecting on their tumultuous relationship over the years, Mooney recounted a period of silence between the two following their 2021 arena tour, revealing that they did not speak for four months. “We were just unhappy,” he said. This time apart allowed them to reassess their partnership and reignite their passion for music, paving the way for their continued success.

In August 2023, ahead of their holiday album release “It’s Officially Christmas: The Double Album,” the duo discussed their experiences during these recent challenging times. Their journey highlights not only their resilience but also the importance of addressing mental health issues, particularly within the music industry.

With “Say So,” Dan + Shay hope to inspire conversation and provide a comforting message to those who may feel isolated in their struggles. As they prepare for the release, the duo remains committed to using their platform to promote understanding and support for mental health awareness.

As fans eagerly await the single, Dan + Shay’s introspective approach to this topic may resonate with many, addressing a subject that is often overlooked. “Say So” could become an anthem for those grappling with mental health challenges, a reminder that no one is truly alone and that there is always hope for brighter days ahead.