This Acoustic Single Features Multi-instrumentalist
Matt Menefee of Mumford & Sons, Mike Rinne, and David Axelrod
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Rising Nashville country recording artist and 2023 John Lennon International Songwriting Prize finalist, Bryan Ruby, released a “broken version” of his fan-favorite single, “Come Back,” today, October 18. This release follows closely on the heels of Ruby’s sophomore EP, “Found & Lost”, which dropped in July. The emotional record, featuring six heartfelt ‘heartbreak anthems,’ was praised by All Country News as “a must-listen for country music fans” and “as rich in emotional depth as it is in infectious energy.”
For the new acoustic version of “Come Back,” Ruby teamed up with multi-instrumentalist and Nashville session ace Matt Menefee, known for his work with Mumford & Sons and the bluegrass supergroup Wood Box Heroes. Mike Rinne (Miranda Lambert, Emmylou Harris, Chester Thompson Trio) laid down the rhythmic foundation on upright bass, while David Axelrod (Meghan Trainor, Brantley Gilbert, Brooke Eden) added dynamic textures with his expert percussion. Together, they crafted an intimate, unplugged acoustic rendition that offers a stark contrast to the original, hard-hitting country-rock version of the song.
Stream the acoustic version of “Come Back” here
“I had to belt out the original version of this song really big—to match the rest of the record,” Ruby shared. “This song works big, but it also works when the band unplugs and the story becomes more intimate, raw, and vulnerable.“
The lyrics of “Come Back” powerfully capture the pain and empowerment that come with heartbreak:
How could I trust you again with my love?
The same one you never even told me you fell out of…
When did you know you were gonna break my heart?
I kept on fighting but you kept me in the dark…
If you called me up right now I’d put down the phone, and
If you book a one way ticket, well, you’re on your own, and
If you show up on my doorstep, that door is staying closed
So… if you want to come back, don’t.
Ruby explained, “I wanted this acoustic version to feel like the day we wrote it. I sat in the living room with my co-writer friends Fran Litterski and Tyler Bank and just let it all out—the shock, the pure hurt, the raw anger, and the frustration you feel right after the person you thought you could count on most lets you down. It sounds like a sad song, but when you dig into the story, you see this is really a ‘take-back-your-power’ moment after a relationship goes down the drain.”
Ruby is setting himself apart from other male country singers by embracing vulnerability as a strength. Whether belting out ballads or strumming softly on his guitar, his ability to infuse pure honesty and authenticity into his lyrics reminds listeners that showing emotion amidst heartbreak is a courageous act—one that can heal and inspire others.
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