Cole Swindell is giving fans a taste of what’s to come on his yet-to-be announced fifth studio album with the release of his emotional new song, “3 Feet Tall.”
Written by Trey Lewis, Trannie Anderson, and Jordan Walker, “3 Feet Tall” is a song that reflects on the childhood struggles of growing up in a broken home. Swindell’s emotional vocals highlight the poignant lyrics that tell a touching story that grips the listener right from the opening verse.
The tune is a perfect example of what country music is all about: Storytelling. “3 Feet Tall” begins with an emotional portrayal of a family’s separation, before the lyrics vividly capture the heartache of a child witnessing their parent’s breakup.
“We took a ride up a golden elevator/ They both cried as they signed a stack of papers/ Mom got the car, Dad got the truck/ I got a Happy Meal and a baseball/ I didn’t get it ’til we got home and all his stuff was in a U-Haul,” Swindell sings on the opening verse of the Song Of The Year-worthy track, which will certainly go down in Country music history as one of the best storytelling tunes. “He pushed me for a while in the swing/ Kissed my head and said, ‘See you next week’”
Listen To Cole Swindell’s New Song “3 Feet Tall” Below
The chorus then details the confusing thoughts that a child experiences when caught in the midst of their parents’ separation, while also detailing the internal struggle and self-blame that often accompanies the unfortunate situation.
“There’s a lot I don’t remember, but that cryin’ down the hall/ Had a way of makin’ me wonder maybe it was all my fault/ I got stuck in the middle of weekends and holidays/ And my suitcase was too little to carry all that weight/ I might not have understood it all/ But, not everythin’ goes over your head even when you’re three feet tall.”
Despite Not Writing The Tune, “3 Feet Tall” Resonated Deeply With Swindell
While Swindell didn’t have a hand in penning the Zach Crowell-produced track, he knew he had to cut it after hearing it, as it aligned with his story as a child of divorce himself. His mother, Betty Carol Rainy, and father, William Keith Swindell, went through a divorce when he was just 11 years old. In fact, it was during the time of his parents’ divorce that he fell in love with country music.
“Looking back, I remember the moment I knew I loved country music. It was when I heard Clay Walker’s ‘This Woman And This Man,’” he previously told CMT during an interview in 2016. “I’m sure my mom was like, ‘Turn that off.’”
After falling in love with Walker’s hit, Swindell then quickly discovered ’90s country. “I remember running around the Albany Mall by my house trying to find George Strait’s ‘Check Yes or No,’ only to find out it was in a boxed set that was like $50, which I couldn’t afford,” Swindell added at the time. “Hopefully, those artists know that they’re why we get to do what we love. We wouldn’t be here without ’90s country, but it is tough to follow in their footsteps.”
“3 Feet Tall” Will Appear On His Forthcoming Fifth Studio Album
The song marks the first track from his forthcoming fifth studio album.
“I can’t believe the 1st song from Album 5 is finally out. Songs like these are why I fell in love with Country Music in the first place,” Swindell wrote on social media. “For all of you out there that have lived it in any way, I’m here for you. I’ve been there too. Music is so powerful, and I feel like this song is just special. I hope it hits a few of you out there like it does me. Love y’all.”
For more information, visit Cole Swindell’s official website HERE.
