Greylan James Collaborates with Cole Swindell on New Song

28-year-old Greylan James has already worked with many big-name artists throughout his young career, cutting songs for stars like Blake Shelton, Chris Janson, Kenny Chesney, and Jordan Davis. Today, he released his first song with a star featured on his track, “Things That I Can’t Change” with Cole Swindell.

In these beautifully written lyrics by James, alongside Jared Mullins, Rocky Block and Brock Berryhill, the singers recall several mistakes they made back in the day. While they are ashamed of them now, they both admit those poor decisions are helping shape the maturing men they are becoming. The humble, mid-tempo tune serves as an effective reminder for anyone who cringes at their past behavior to use the regret not as an anchor, but a catalyst for growth and self-improvement.

“I can’t turn back time but there’s those times that I look back // at myself in the mirror and wonder ‘who the hell is that?’ // ‘Cause I’m a shell of who I was but still ain’t who I’m gonna be // but the things I can’t change are changing me”

Swindell has been a big advocate for Greylan’s career as an artist and a songwriter. The two have a history—touring and writing songs together including Swindell’s “How Is She” and “Forever To Me.” Swindell agreed to feature on the track immediately after receiving the demo.

“I think ‘Things That I Can’t Change’ showcases what country music is all about and what I want my music to be about, telling stories that we have all lived,” Greylan expressed in a recent press release. “This song really makes me think about the things people do and the parts of their life that they aren’t insanely proud of. But we can take the lessons learned from those moments to grow from it and also accept that people can change from the other side of it. Sometimes forgiveness is hard, but it’s about seeing the best in people and giving them the opportunity to show that they can be better. It’s alright to let the things that you can’t change, change you.”

Already an ACM Award winner for his work on Davis’ “Next Thing You Know,” James has a bright future ahead of him. “Things That I Can’t Change” again showcases his keen and honest storytelling. He will perform this song and many others he has written as an opener for Ashley Cooke on her Your Place tour, stopping in NYC on February 26. For tickets, head to his website. To learn more about James, read The Story Behind His Journey to County Music.

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future Greylan James and Cole Swindell releases.

To keep up with Greylan James follow him on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and Twitter.

To keep up with Cole Swindell follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

“Things That I Can’t Change'” is now available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music here on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.