James teams up with Swindell

Written by James, Jared Mullins, Rocky Block and Brock Berryhill, the coming-of-age tune is a look at past mistakes and how the consequences of them can put us on a path to being a better person. Longtime co-writers turned tourmates and friends, the duo first chatted about hopping on a track together during a game of golf a few months ago. After finishing "Things That I Can't Change," James shared the demo with Swindell and he immediately agreed that this was the song for them to do together.

"I think 'Things That I Can't Change' showcases what country music is all about and what I want my music to be about, telling stories that we have all lived," said James. "This song really makes me think about the things people do and the parts of their life that they aren't insanely proud of. But we can take the lessons learned from those moments to grow from it and also accept that people can change from the other side of it. Sometimes forgiveness is hard, but it's about seeing the best in people and giving them the opportunity to show that they can be better. It's alright to let the things that you can't change, change you."

"I've been a big Greylan James fan since the first time we wrote together a few years back," said Swindell. "Not only is he a great songwriter, but his voice and the way he delivers a song is just special. I was honored when he asked me to sing on 'Things That I Can't Change' because it's such a great song and message that I think a lot of folks, like myself, can relate to. I'm excited to see where it takes him and thankful he and his team asked me to be part of it."

"Things That I Can't Change" serves as James' third standalone track release this year, following previous releases "Who Broke Up With You" and "Man Up."

Earlier this year, James earned his first ever ACM Award for Song of the Year, co-writing Jordan Davis' number one hit "Next Thing You Know," which also landed James a 2023 CMA Awards nomination for the same category. James has earned cuts from Kenny Chesney, Chris Young, Cole Swindell, Darius Rucker, Chris Janson, Bailey Zimmerman and BRELAND.

James joined country stars Swindell, Old Dominion and Scotty McCreery. He will wrap up 2024 with Ashley Cooke on her your place Tour, taking the run into the new year as well.