Nate Smith and Avril Lavigne Reunite For Heartbreak Ballad ‘Can You Die From a Broken Heart’

Smith says working with Lavigne is a “pinch-me” moment.

By

Lauren Jo Black

| Posted on

October 18, 2024

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11:07 am

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Nate Smith, Avril Lavigne; Photo by Kaiser Cunningham

Nate Smith has teamed up with Avril Lavigne once again for the emotional heartbreak track, “Can You Die From a Broken Heart.” 

The song, which was written by Kevin Fisher, Michael Matosic, and Tom Walker and produced by Lindsay Rimes, marks the pair’s second release together. It follows their collaborative version of “Bulletproof,” which debuted earlier this year. 

“Can You Die From a Broken Heart” finds Smith and Lavigne exploring the deep emotional pain that follows a loss. Throughout the lyrics, they express sorrow and long for the person who is no longer present in their lives. A deeply relatable song, it also finds the artists struggling to move on in the aftermath of heartbreak. They continually question, “can you die from a broken heart” admitting to feeling so much pain that they feel the end might be near. 

YouTube video

Joining forces on the chorus, they sing, “They say time heals all wounds, is it ever enough? I wanna learn how to cope, wanna learn how to love again/ Oh, I’ve been tryin’ to hold on, but I’m fallin’ apart/ Tell me, can you die from a brokеn heart? Tell me, can you diе from a broken heart?” 

The heartbreaking collaboration came to life in a new music video, which is out now. The video, directed by Mason Allen and Nikki Fletcher, features the pair in a post-apocalyptic setting as they navigate the challenges of a broken heart and ultimately find their way back to life.

“Getting the chance to work with one of your all-time favorite singers twice is humbling and such a pinch-me moment,” Smith shared.  “Avril is an absolute powerhouse of a vocalist but equally as a human being. It’s such a joy working with her, and I feel like I’ve learned a lot in the process. As far as the song, “Can You Die From A Broken Heart” is the epitome of what a heartbreak ballad should feel and sound like. The bridge is my favorite part of the song because it’s so epic with the soaring ohs and feels like it gives the slightest nod to “I’m With You,” which happens to be my favorite Avril song. I think this song will touch hearts in a deep and meaningful way.”

“I have always been a huge fan of country music since I was young, and I admire Nate’s work as an artist,” Lavigne added.  “Earlier this year, we performed our version of ‘Bulletproof’ at the ACMs and since then I knew I wanted to do more with Nate because we had the best time. ‘Can You Die from a Broken Heart’ is an intense ballad that I think will resonate deeply with people and leave a lasting emotional impact.”

Nate Smith; California Gold
Nate Smith; California Gold

“Can You Die From a Broken Heart” appears on Smith’s new album, California Gold. The 16-track collection dropped earlier this month and also includes the EDM-leaning track, “I Like It,” plus songwriting credits from Smith, Ashley Gorley, Taylor Phillips, Thomas Archer, Ryan Hurd, Brett Tyler, Hunter Phelps and many others.

Smith is currently on his 2024 Through The Smoke World Tour, which will run until the end of the year, wrapping up in Nashville, TN, on December 5.

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Lauren Jo Black

Written by

Lauren Jo Black

Lauren Jo Black, a University of Central Florida graduate, has immersed herself in the world of country music for over 15 years. In 2008, she co-founded CountryMusicIsLove, eventually selling it to a major record label in 2015. Following the rebranding of the website to Sounds Like Nashville, Black served as Editor-in-Chief for two and a half years. Currently, she assumes the role of Editor-in-Chief at Country Now and oversees Country Now’s content and digital footprint. Her extensive experience also encompasses her previous role as a Country Music Expert Writer for Answers.com and her work being featured on Forbes.com. She’s been spotlighted among Country Aircheck’s Women of Influence and received the 2012 Rising Star Award from the University of Central Florida. Black also spent time in front of the camera as host of Country Now Live, which brought live music directly to fans in 2021 when the majority of concerts were halted due to the pandemic. During this time, she hosted 24 weeks of live concerts via Country Now Live on Twitch with special guests such as Lady A, Dierks Bentley, Jordan Davis, Brett Young, and Jon Pardi. Over the course of her career, she has had the privilege of conducting interviews with some of the industry’s most prominent stars, including Reba McEntire, Blake Shelton, Luke Combs, Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert, Lainey Wilson, and many others. Lauren Jo Black is a longtime member of the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music.