Exclusive Premiere: Greylan James Shares Vulnerable New Song, ‘2 Years Back’

While he’s ready to move on to the future, James shows no regrets of the past.

By

Madeleine O’Connell

| Posted on

February 16, 2023

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9:00 am

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Greylan James – Credit Trea Allen

Greylan James turned a difficult situation into a bright opportunity with his new heartbreak-ridden song, “2 Years Back,” exclusively premiering on Country Now ahead of its official release on Friday, Feb. 17.

Even though breakups can often leave one feeling like time has been wasted, James has chosen to take a different perspective. Instead of dwelling on what could have been if he hadn’t been in a relationship for two years, he’s showing no regrets in the chapter they shared together and explains he wouldn’t wish to take any of it back. 

“I had just been through a rough breakup when this song was written. As much as I hated it had ended, that relationship had given me so many memories that I wouldn’t undo regardless of the breakup. ‘2 Years Back’ is a song I think people are gonna smile, cry, & remember to,” James told Country Now exclusively. 

Throughout the entirety of his new song, the rising star exercises his maturity and impressive songwriting skills as he unveils a new look at his gritty vocals and vulnerable storytelling. 

“I’d unburn some bridges / Undo some things / But I wouldn’t tough 2015 or ‘16 / I’d rewrite some history / Rewind some lows / But honey you should know / I wouldn’t change a minute of a million with you in them/ They’re the best I think I’m ever gonna have / Sure I’d take back the words that made you give back all my shirts / and all the hurting after that / But I wouldn’t take our two years back,” he sings in the chorus. 

Listen To “2 Years Back”

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Anticipation for the release of “2 Years Back” has grown stronger and stronger since James first began teasing the new track to his audience through social media.

Many have taken to the comments to plead with him to drop the song that has evoked a stir of emotions through the relatable lyrics.

One user wrote, “This made me cry🥰” and another revealed just how much even the short snippet affected them. “This one is different…chills! 🥺”

This release follows James’ current radio single, “My Future,” which finds the rising star reliving even more of these painful memories of his past relationship. While attempting to overcome the heartache, he battles with the harsh reality that his ex is no longer a part of his plans moving forward. 

Written by Greylan, Brock Berryhill, and Matt Roy, this honest tune acts as his second release from his forthcoming debut album, which is due out later this year. 

“This song felt like a special one from the beginning,” shared Greylan. “Sad country songs have gotten me through my breakups, and I hope ‘My Future’ can help somebody out there through theirs. I’m glad it’s finally out in the world.”

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Raised in Knoxville, TN, James is a critically acclaimed singer/songwriter, having penned major cuts for artists like Blake Shelton, Cole Swindell, Chris Young, Jordan Davis, Kenny Chesney and more. 

While he’s seen great success behind the songs, James is also in the early stages of venturing out into the industry as a solo artist. In 2022, he crossed the threshold into a new chapter of his career with the release of his debut EP, I Hope She Hears These

“After writing songs for other country artists’ projects, I’m so excited to finally be putting out my own EP. These songs took a lot of living, heartbreak, alcohol, love, and time to create,” James shared in a press release. “I think everyone can find themselves in one of these songs, and I’m glad they’re finally out of the vault and into the world.”

As he continues to churn out new music for his growing audience, Greylan James has already embarked on his stint of shows for 2023. He is currently serving as an opener on the US leg of Old Dominion’s No Bad Vibes Tour. 

The trek launched on January 19 at the Ford Center in Evansville, IN, and will wrap up on July 30 in Lake Tahoe, NV.

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Madeleine O’Connell graduated from North Central College with a bachelors degree in Journalism and Broadcast Communications before deciding to pursue her studies further at DePaul University. There, she earned her masters degree in Digital Communication & Media Arts. O’Connell served as a freelance writer for over two years while also interning with the Academy of Country Music, SiriusXM and Circle Media and assisting with Amazon Music’s Country Heat Weekly podcast. In addition to Country Now, she has been published in American Songwriter, Music Mayhem, and Holler.Country. Madeleine O’Connell is a member of the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music.