The idea for Dan + Shay’s “Glad You Exist” started in Dan Smyers‘ phone as something he says to his wife…and this was before the events that surrounded 2020.

Shay Mooney says “After that song kind of came together…I feel like, you know, when we finally got to record it – it was during quarantine – and I feel like the entire timing of how the song came together was not only good for our fans, and the message was good for our fans, but also for us!”

Shay adds, “You know it’s important to remember that we need to tell the people that we love that we love them and we’re glad they’re around. I think being away from your family and not getting to see the ones that you love was…we were reminded of that even more. So, this song has taken on a new meaning.”

Dan + Shay also shared a video of them singing a special version of the song.

They posted it with the caption “this video was taken right after we finished writing glad you exist with our friends Tayla, Jordan, and Ryan. our inspo was the thought of being in an arena full of people we love, turning the house lights on, putting an arm around one another, and singing all together as one, just being grateful that we are all on the planet at the same time. we’re counting down the days until this can happen again (SEPTEMBER 😍), and when it does, emotions will be at a maximum. thank y’all for the love on this song, it truly means the world. comment and let us know which show we’ll see you at on the (arena) tour this fall!”

Check out their performance of “Glad You Exist” from this year’s ACM Awards right here…

Photo Credit: Catherine Powell