17 Powerful Facts About Chase Rice's 'Bench Seat': The True Story, The Awards, And The Dog That Saved A Life

The "Bench Seat" song is far more than just a country music track; it is a profound, emotional short story set to an acoustic melody, released on January 27, 2023. This single by country music star Chase Rice quickly became one of the most talked-about songs of his career, not for a catchy chorus, but for its raw, unflinching look at a man's battle with mental health and the unconditional love of his dog.

The track is unique in that it is told entirely from the perspective of the dog, whose loyalty ultimately saves his owner from a tragic end. The song's powerful message and the accompanying cinematic short film have resonated deeply with fans, critics, and mental health advocates, solidifying its place as a pivotal moment in Chase Rice's discography and a significant contribution to the conversation around suicide prevention and emotional well-being.

The Man Behind the Music: A Complete Chase Rice Biography

Chase Rice's journey to country music stardom is as unique and multi-faceted as the stories he tells in his songs. Born on September 19, 1985, in Florida, Rice's life path has included stints in professional sports and reality television before he found his true calling in Nashville.

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• Full Name: Chase Rice
• Born: September 19, 1985
• Birthplace: Florida, U.S.
• Genre: Country Music
• Notable Career Highlights:
  • College Football: Played linebacker for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
  • NASCAR Pit Crew: Worked as a pit crew member for Hendrick Motorsports, serving on the team for NASCAR driver Ryan Newman.
  • Reality Television: Was a contestant on the reality competition show *Survivor: Nicaragua* in 2010, finishing as the runner-up.
  • Songwriting: Co-wrote the massive 2012 hit "Cruise" for Florida Georgia Line.
  • Streaming Success: Has accumulated over 2.8 billion total streams and sold more than 2.6 million albums worldwide.
  • Acclaimed Album: Released the critically praised album *I Hate Cowboys & All Dogs Go To Hell* in 2023, which features "Bench Seat."
• Personal Life: Rice's late father, Dan Rice, is a major inspiration for his music and is featured on the cover of his 2023 album.

The Heart-Wrenching True Story That Inspired 'Bench Seat'

The emotional core of "Bench Seat" comes from a very real, very dark place. The song was inspired by a true story involving one of Chase Rice's longtime friends who was struggling with severe mental health issues.

Rice's friend was in a "really dark place" and contemplating suicide. The turning point, as the story goes, was the unconditional presence and love of his dog. The dog's need for him—the simple, pure bond between a person and their pet—was the one thing that pulled him back from the brink.

This powerful anecdote moved Rice so much that he sat down with his acoustic guitar and wrote the song entirely by himself, a rarity for modern country music. He chose to tell the narrative from the dog's point of view, making the lyrics an intimate, heartbreaking, and ultimately hopeful monologue from the loyal canine.

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The song's lyrics paint a vivid picture of the man's struggle, describing the quiet desperation and the dog’s steadfast presence. It is a profound exploration of how a simple relationship can be a lifeline in the heaviest of moments.

The Acclaimed Short Film and International Awards

The impact of "Bench Seat" extends far beyond the radio waves, largely due to its accompanying music video. Chase Rice envisioned the entire video as he was writing the song, which led to the creation of a seven-plus-minute short film.

The official music video, or short film, was directed by Kaiser Cunningham, a frequent collaborator of Rice's. Given the sensitivity of the subject matter—which includes themes of self-harm, addiction, substances, and death—Rice and Cunningham opted for a cinematic approach to highlight the ongoing struggle with mental health and the importance of intervention.

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The film’s powerful narrative and high production quality earned it significant recognition on the international stage, a rare feat for a country music video. The short film has garnered:

• 16 Film Festival Selections: The video was selected for screening at numerous film festivals around the world.
• 6+ International Awards: It has won multiple awards, including honors from the Afterlife Film Festival (Spain) and the Barcelona Indie Awards (Spain).

This critical acclaim underscores the song's topical authority, demonstrating that its message about hope, struggle, and the human-animal bond transcends musical genres and cultural boundaries. The awards confirm the video’s success in communicating a vital message to a global audience.

Topical Authority: 'Bench Seat' as a Mental Health Anthem

In the world of country music, which often focuses on themes of trucks, beer, and love, "Bench Seat" stands out as a powerful and much-needed contribution to the dialogue on mental health.

The song’s success is a testament to the growing demand for artists to address serious, personal issues. By telling the story from the dog’s perspective, it offers a fresh, non-judgmental lens on the man’s suffering, effectively removing the stigma often associated with seeking help. The dog, representing unconditional love and loyalty, becomes a symbol of the simple, grounding elements in life that can prevent tragedy.

The song is featured on Chase Rice's critically acclaimed album, *I Hate Cowboys & All Dogs Go To Hell*, which many critics and fans consider his most authentic and best work to date. The album is a departure from his earlier "bro-country" sound, leaning into deeper, more personal songwriting, and showcasing Rice's maturity as an artist.

The production of "Bench Seat," handled by Oscar Charles, is intentionally stripped down, featuring just Rice’s acoustic guitar and raw vocals. This minimalist approach emphasizes the emotional weight of the lyrics, ensuring that the listener focuses entirely on the narrative and its profound message of suicide prevention and the importance of a support system, whether human or canine. The single was released under Broken Bow Records, further amplifying its reach.

In conclusion, Chase Rice's "Bench Seat" is a landmark song in modern country music. Its foundation in a true story, its unique narrative perspective, and the artistic success of its award-winning short film have cemented its status as a vital piece of art. It serves as a stark reminder of the struggles many face and the quiet, life-saving power of a loyal companion. The song continues to be celebrated for its honesty and its contribution to a crucial, ongoing conversation.