“Glad You Exist” by Dan + Shay

“Glad You Exist” was the sweet, simple song that we all needed coming out of the disaster that was 2020. Released Feb. 5, this song was the third single from the band’s fourth album Good Things. “Glad You Exist” is a love song with a greater message: giving thanks for those you love.

This message was essential to consider following the chaos of the past year, from a global pandemic to national protests to capitol riots —just to name a few. It’s easy to focus on the tragic aspects of the last couple of years, but it’s crucial to focus on the positive, which is exactly what this song is about. After a year when many experienced great loss, this song was the perfect reminder to express gratitude.

In this hit single, Dan and Shay express just how thankful they are for their respective wives. If that’s not enough to make you say “awww,” just hit play and wait. 

Dan + Shay open the song with a toast of sorts, ending the first verse with “Here’s to everyone but mostly us.” This sweet, albeit slightly sappy, expression of love perfectly sets the tone for the rest of the song. The singers thank their spouses for putting up with their flaws and celebrate their relationships with this first verse.

Next, the band jumps right into their chorus, starting broad with “a couple billion people in the world” and zeroing in on just two people. Fair warning, this chorus may be on repeat in your head for the rest of the day after listening; It’s just that catchy. This chorus is simple, but I love simple, and this simplicity works to build a super solid couple of lines. Ending with “I’m just so glad you exist,” the chorus is undoubtedly my favorite part of this cute song.

Following the chorus is another verse, which is another top moment of this poppy ballad. The band reflects on how they’ve grown since meeting their spouses, remarking, “look what a hello from a stranger turned into.” The verse breaks up the song really nicely and is a good pause from the melody. This verse ends with “You know me better than anyone else, we don’t need anyone else,” and if this isn’t enough to make you smile, you better get that cold heart of yours checked out. 

The bridge following the subject is a bit of a touchy subject for me. The rest of this song is amazing, but the bridge is … interesting. I like the general sentiment of the lyrics, but the repetition and whiny tone are just a bit too much for me. The bridge is the complaint I have for the song, however, and the rest of the single totally makes up for this little dip in quality.  

After another rendition of the chorus, the song concludes with a poignant “I’m glad you exist.” This song is simple and sweet, and the prevailing message is crucial for everyone to remember year-round. You will be inspired to express your gratitude to your family and friends after listening to “Glad You Exist.”