Get your tissues ready. Though we were treated to his first full-length live record, Live From Steel City, back in the fall, many fans (myself included) have been patiently waiting for the pride of West Virginia, Charles Wesley Godwin, to release new music for quite a while now. While we’re still waiting for the announcement of album #4, which Godwin confirmed is in the works, he kept fans satisfied with a plethora of different teasers throughout 2025. Between “Every Once In Awhile” and “Better That Way,” as well as “Hallelujah High” and “Try Again,” it’s more than apparent that he’s looking to outdo himself once again upon the release of his next record. In some ways, it simply feels like he’s teasing us at this point, also sharing stellar tracks like “Stranger on the Street” and “Christian Name” over the past month or so. Today is no different as he’s back with yet another brand-new song co-written with the legendary, Lori McKenna, titled “Hey There Son.” In case you’re unfamiliar with McKenna, she’s nothing short of a living legend when it comes to songwriters. There’s simply no other way to put it. The two-time Grammy Award winner has been a mainstay in country’s songwriting circle, cutting songs with everyone from Miranda Lambert to Tim McGraw to Taylor Swift. Notably, she’s co-written Little Big Town’s “Girl Crush,” McGraw’s “Humble and Kind,” Carrie Underwood’s “Cry Pretty” and Eli Young Band’s severely underrated “Skin and Bones.” Additionally, she’s written the Grammy-nominated track, “Always Remember Us This Way,” from Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga’s A Star Is Born, Parker McCollum’s #1 hit, “Burn It Down” as well the Taylor Swift-Chris Stapleton collaboration, “I Bet You Think About Me.” Outside of her mainstream, award-winning album cuts, McKenna also has 12 solo records in her personal discography all filled to the brim with some of the most expertly penned tracks you’ll hear today. As for “Hey There Son,” it should go without saying that it’s nothing short of touching tribute to his second, Elijah, who was born last June. At this point, Godwin is no stranger to penning beautiful ballads to his children, with “Gabriel” and “Dance in the Rain” being incredible tracks for his eldest son and daughter. That being said, however, I truly think Godwin (along with McKenna) outdid himself on this one; this is truly one of the most touching songs he’s ever written so far. It’s safe to say Godwin feels the same as well, noting he and McKenna were brought to tears upon finish writing the song. “I think Lori McKenna and I both had tears in our eyes when we finished this one haha. What an awesome thing to get to do for a living.” The track opens up with Godwin speaking to Elijah, expressing how he can’t wait to watch him grow up and teach him in the first verse. “Hey there son I can’t wait to get to know ya I can’t wait to get to show ya All the things in this world you’ve got coming your way Let’s let your mama rest now, it’ll be okay The chorus comes around. While it may be simple on its surface, it’s undoubtedly effective and pays off in dividends when Godwin revisits it to close the song. “You came into the world with a mighty cry That moment I first held you, I’d never been more alive Heart open wide, I’m on your side” After another moving verse that sees a time-jump with his son now moving out of the house with his daughter-in-law and having a child of their own in the bridge, Godwin delivers the final blow on this tear-jerker of a song when he flips the chorus to the son’s perspective. “Hey there dad You were there when I was born with a mighty cry From that moment you held me on the first day of my life My heart’s open wide, now I’m on your side Get some rest now. You’re the best now. Goodbye dad” Ultimately, “Hey There Son” is one of the best-songs to date from Godwin in an already impressive discography. When it appears on his upcoming album, it’s bound to be a standout. In some ways, it’s one of those songs where a write-up hardly does the beauty of the song justice, so you’ll just have to listen to the song for yourself below. A little word of advice: if you’re a father, I’d recommend grabbing a few tissues before listening. “Hey There Son” View this post on Instagram Charles Wesley Godwin Tour Dates March 27 – Boise, Idaho – Extramile Arena + March 28 – Salt Lake City, Utah – Maverick Center + April 10 – Little Rock, Arkansas – The Hall ~ April 14 – Oxford, Mississippi – The Lyric ~ April 16 – Atlanta, Georgia – The Eastern ~ April 17 – Chattanooga, Tennessee – The Signal ~ April 23 – Indio, California – Stagecoach = July 19 – Whitefish, Montana – Under The Big Sky = +  Supporting Turnpike Troubadours ~ With Jason Scott & the High Heat = FestivalThe post “Both Had Tears In Our Eyes”: Charles Wesley Godwin Shares Touching New Song Co-Written With Lori McKenna first appeared on Whiskey Riff.