Chase Rice did what he swore he would never do — sit down to write a country song about a dog — and it might be the most important song of his career. The Florida native just released “Bench Seat,” with both the song and video higlighting the need for mental health services, and the importance of avoiding the stigma attached to mental health illnesses, including addiction.
“Bench Seat,” from Rice’s forthcoming I Hate Cowboys & All Dogs Go To Hell album, was written solely by Rice, and inspired by a true story.
“My buddy was in a really dark place – to the point where he was ready to end his own life,” Rice says of the song. “It took a lot for him to take me back to that moment, but when he told me what stopped him it stopped me in my tracks: his dog came and laid his head on his lap, and that connection saved him.
“I wrote this song by myself with the point of view from the dog’s perspective – which might not be obvious right away – and what that moment might have meant for the two of them if not for that intervention,” he adds.
The video for “Bench Seat” became a short film, with Rice having the idea for the storyline. Directed by Kaiser Cunningham, Rice knew he wanted to shine a light on the need for help, especially for those dealing with addiction.
“For the first time in my career, I could envision the whole video as I was writing the song,” Rice says. “I wanted to shine a light on the topic of mental health because this is something that makes way too many people feel alone and especially when addiction becomes part of the picture, one bad moment can have horrible consequences. I personally know how hard it can be to ask for help when you need it, but I hope this helps start a few more conversations and lets people know they really aren’t alone.”
Rice praises his friend for inspiring not only “Bench Seat,” but for having the bravery to speak about the issues he was dealing with, and to get the help he desperately needed.
“When my friend was in that moment, it was impossible to see anything but the heaviness,” Rice recalls. “He was able to get the help he needed, though, and now he’s living a beautiful life and starting a family. That’s what this video is really about – showing you the potential for a happy end to the story if you are able to find a way to get help through the dark times.”
I Hate Cowboys & All Dogs Go to Hell will be out on February 10. Rice will embark on his Way Down Yonder Tour in March. Find music and tour dates at ChaseRice.com.