About The Song
Background
“You Should Be Here” is a country song by Cole Swindell, released in 2*16 as the title track of his debut album. The song is a heartfelt tribute to Swindell’s late father, William Swindell, who passed away shortly after Cole signed a record deal with Warner Music. Swindell never got to experience his son’s rise to fame, and the song explores the bittersweet emotions of success tinged with loss.
Themes
- Loss and grief: The central theme of the song is the pain of losing a loved one. Swindell reflects on how much he misses his father and wishes he could share his success with him.
- Gratitude for good times: Despite the sadness, the song also celebrates the happy memories with the deceased. The narrator cherishes the moments spent together and feels grateful for their bond.
- The sting of absence: The lyrics highlight the specific moments where the absence is most keenly felt. In this case, it’s a joyful gathering of friends and family.
Lyrics
The song opens with a beautiful day, a perfect setting for a gathering of friends. The narrator feels a pang of sadness amidst the joy because “one thing” is missing – his father.
The chorus emphasizes the longing for his presence. He imagines his dad with an arm around him, sharing a beer and celebrating the good times. These are moments “that’s got your name written all over it,” and the narrator’s greatest wish is for his father to be there.
The second verse talks about his father taking pictures, sharing the joy with everyone back home. The narrator acknowledges the idea of a better place after death but admits that seeing his father’s face would bring him true happiness.
The bridge intensifies the emotions. The narrator imagines his father’s reaction to the scene – his excitement, laughter, and pure enjoyment. He appeals to God, expressing a deep desire for his father to be somehow present.
The chorus returns, reiterating the pain of his absence in this perfect moment. The song ends with the repeated line “You should be here,” a powerful expression of longing and love.
“You Should Be Here” is a relatable song that touches on the universal experience of loss. The raw emotions and vivid imagery resonate with anyone who has ever missed a loved one.
Video
Lyric
Let’s sing along with the lyrics!