Song meaning of Checking In by ​for KING & COUNTRY (Ft. Lee Brice)

"Checking In" by for KING & COUNTRY featuring Lee Brice is a heartfelt song that explores the longing for connection and the bittersweet emotions that come with missing a loved one who has passed away. The song revolves around a conversation between a son and his deceased father, where the son receives a voicemail from his dad and responds with his own message.

The song begins with Lee Brice's verse, where he portrays the father figure reaching out to his son, saying, "Hey there son, it's dad again, I know you're busy, I'm just checking in." This simple act of checking in demonstrates the father's love and concern for his son's well-being. He reassures his son that he doesn't want anything, he's just wondering how he's been. This verse sets the tone for the song, highlighting the father's absence and the son's longing for his presence.

The chorus, sung by Lee Brice, reflects the son's struggle to cope with the loss of his father. He admits to repeatedly listening to his father's voicemail, saying, "There's no telling how many times I've let that message play, he's been gone a while but it still feels like yesterday." This line captures the timeless quality of grief, where the pain of losing someone can linger even after a significant amount of time has passed. The son also reveals that he sometimes calls his father back, hoping he would pick up again, emphasizing his yearning for a connection that is no longer possible.

In the second verse, Luke Smallbone takes over and speaks from the perspective of the son. He shares that he is doing alright, but work has been challenging. He mentions his responsibilities, such as promising his mother that he would cut the yard. Luke also mentions his own family, saying, "These kids are good, yeah you should be proud." This line suggests that the son has grown and started a family of his own, which makes him miss his father even more. Despite his attempt to move forward, he admits that he is currently missing his father.

The chorus is then sung by Luke and Joel Smallbone, emphasizing the shared experience of longing for their father. They echo the sentiment expressed in the previous chorus, acknowledging that time has passed, but the pain remains fresh. They also mention having a lot more to say these days than they did back then, indicating that as they grow older, they realize the importance of expressing their feelings and regrets to their father.

The bridge brings together Lee Brice, Luke Smallbone, and Joel Smallbone, reinforcing the theme of longing and the desire to communicate with their father. They repeat the chorus, emphasizing that they have so much more to say now than they did in the past. This repetition serves as a cathartic release of emotions, allowing them to express their unspoken thoughts and feelings.

The song concludes with Lee Brice's verse, mirroring the beginning of the song. He once again reaches out to his son, saying, "Hey there son, it's dad again, I know you're busy, I'm just checking in." This repetition signifies the cyclical nature of grief and the ongoing desire for connection, even in the absence of a physical presence.

"Checking In" is a poignant and relatable song that captures the universal experience of missing a loved one who has passed away. It explores the complex emotions of grief, longing, and the desire to communicate with those we have lost. The lyrics and heartfelt performances by for KING & COUNTRY and Lee Brice make this song a powerful tribute to the enduring bond between a father and son.