Dave Lenahan - "First"
Embargoed until 04.23.2026
ABOUT THE SONG:
Love, in its truest form, comes with a quiet fear: the thought of losing the person who means everything. Dave Lenahan leans into that deeply human truth with his new single, “First.”
Rooted in a traditional country sound, Lenahan’s vocals and emotion shine throughout the song. He opens with a heart-clenching verse: “When we took those vows / Time was not our enemy / When you're young you don't think about / The sand that’s running out.”
The honesty stops you in your tracks. But the emotional weight is only beginning to build. In the chorus, his voice sits front and center, full of vulnerability as he sings: “Hand in hand together till the end of time / But we can’t live forever, life is so unfair / I know that this sounds crazy but this is my one prayer, you see / I don’t wanna live a day without you on this Earth / I wanna go first”
The sweet surprise of Taylin Rae's vocals enter soon after, intertwining with Lenahan’s and bringing the other side of the story to life in perfect harmony. Together, their voices complement each other beautifully, adding another layer of emotion to an already powerful song.
With “First,” Dave Lenahan reveals another side of himself, delivering the kind of classic country song that feels timeless. It’s easy to imagine it soundtracking wedding dances and quiet moments alike, the kind of song country fans will return to for years to come.
BIOGRAPHY: DAVE LENAHAN
Dave Lenahan, a seasoned Nashville-based singer-songwriter with roots in Cleveland’s golden era of rock, continues to craft heartfelt narratives that blend his unique fusion of Cleveland rock and Americana.
Raised in Cleveland, Ohio, Lenahan was shaped by legendary artists such as Michael Stanley, Dan Fogelberg, and The Eagles. Beginning guitar at age 11 and sharpening his craft in church choirs and worship bands, he spent four decades in radio before dedicating himself fully to songwriting. As Cincinnati coordinator for the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI), he has co-written hundreds of songs and shared stages with indie and Americana talents at venues like The Bluebird Café and The Listening Room.
His 2023 debut album, Or Something Like That…, introduced his warm, rootsy sound to a broader audience and set the stage for his upcoming concept album Absalom. His project is inspired by a forgotten 19th-century cemetery near his home, a site he helped uncover with the help of fellow songwriters and historical researchers. Songs like the haunting title track “Absalom” and “Father of Peace” have earned Top 10 finalist honors in the World Songwriting Awards.
“Baby I’m Gone,” alongside tracks such as “Die On This Barstool,” “First,” and “Faces in the Glow,” was recorded with Grammy-winning producer Alan Sanderson (Fleetwood Mac, Michael Jackson, Elton John, Fiona Apple, B.B. King, Counting Crows, Elvis Costello, Ziggy Marley, Ryan Adams, Weezer, and The Rolling Stones) in San Diego. The album features collaborations with acclaimed writers including Jessica Nixon, Taylin Rae, and Norm McDonald. Previously recorded by Chancey Williams, “Baby I’m Gone” has become a standout fan favorite and frequent show-closer for Lenahan.
With over 1 million Spotify streams, including the viral “Squirrel Train” by Pamela Hopkins (which reached #1 on Australia’s OZCMR chart), Lenahan’s impact extends beyond music. As host of The Songwriter Connection podcast, winner of the 2024 Elite Music Award for Podcast of the Year, he highlights rising and established songwriters with insight and humor.
Writing nearly 100 songs annually and performing over 100 shows each year, Dave Lenahan remains deeply committed to mentorship, community, and authentic storytelling. With Absalom on the horizon, he continues to push creative boundaries while honoring the heartfelt narratives that define his work.
LYRICS:
I knew when we first met
you'd be the one
The essence of all I want to be
When we we took those vows
Time was not our enemy
When you're young you don't think about
The sand that’s running out
I want a long and happy life
Always by your side
Hand in hand together till the end of time
But, we can’t live forever life is so unfair
I know that this sounds crazy but this is my one prayer, you see
I don’t wanna live a day without you on this Earth
I wanna go first
Ooooo, I wanna go first
It won’t be easy
But in time you’ll be ok
I’ll be waiting there for you
I’ll say hii to your mom and dad
They always knew
You were the stronger – of us two
And they’d see me before they saw you
I want a long and happy life
Always by your side
Hand in hand together till the end of time
But, we can’t live forever life is so unfair
I know that this sounds crazy but this is my one prayer, you see
I don’t wanna live a day without you on this Earth
I wanna go first
Ooooo, I wanna go first
I'll scout out a shady spot
Underneath a willow tree
We’ll catch up on time we lost
We’ll have eternity
PRODUCTION:
Writers: Dave Lenahan, Jessica Nixon
Producer: Alan Sanderson
ALBUM ART: (HEART SONGS MUSIC GROUP)
DISTRIBUTION: HEART SONGS MUSIC GROUP/SOULSPAZM
PUBLICITY: PUBLICITY NATION PR
