If you think you know how Luke Combs' new single "Even Though I'm Leaving" is going to end, you're right. That doesn't mean the soft, mandolin-infused country song is any less effective. It's a stone-cold tear-jerker.

Combs first released the song digitally in June as one of the tracks from his new EP The Prequel. It's a song that shows off his softer side better than any of the heartbreakers he's dropped as a radio single to date. Ray Fulcher and Wyatt Durrette helped Combs write the father/son story that follows the circle of life. That means a third verse and chorus that will leaving you looking for tissues.

The "Beer Never Broke My Heart" singer has a way of touching all the cornerstones of country music (God, country, family) in a single song without sounding cornpone, jingoistic or preachy. "Even Though I'm Leaving" is another that hits the sweet spot, and for this song he lightens up on the production. Sonically it couldn't be further away from his latest multi-week chart-topper, but it's still on-brand. He's dynamic in every sense of the word.

Did You Know?: Fulcher is one of Combs' favorite co-writers. The singer-songwriter has eight tracks on Combs' This Ones for You album (including "When It Rains It Pours") and three on the The Prequel.

See the Real Story Behind "Even Though I'm Leaving"

Luke Combs, "Even Though I'm Leaving" Lyrics:

Daddy, I’m afraid / Won’t you stay a little while / Keep me safe ‘cause there’s monsters right outside / Daddy, please don’t go / I don’t wanna be alone / ‘Cause the second that you’re gone they’re gonna know.

Chorus:
Before he went to bed he grabbed my hand and said / Just ‘cause I’m leaving it don’t mean that / I won’t be right by your side / When you need me and you can’t see me / In the middle of the night / Just close your eyes and say a prayer / It’s okay I know you’re scared when I’m not here / But I’ll always be right there / Even though I’m leaving I ain’t going nowhere.

Dad, we’ll be late / And Uncle Sam don’t like to wait / He’s got a big ole plane that’s gonna take me far away / I know I act tough but there’s a churning in my gut / ‘Cause I just can’t call you up when things get rough / Before I left he hugged my neck and said.

Second Chorus:
Just ‘cause you’re leaving it don’t mean that I won’t be right by your side / When you need me and you can’t see me / In the middle of the night / Just close your eyes and say a prayer / It’s okay I know you’re scared / I might be here but I’ll always be right there / Even though you’re leaving I ain’t going nowhere.

Daddy, I’m afraid / Won’t you stay a little while / I never thought I’d see the day I had to say goodbye / Daddy, please don’t go / I can’t do this on my own / There’s no way that I can walk this road alone / Daddy grabbed my hand and said.

Third Chorus:
Before he went to bed he grabbed my hand and said / Just ‘cause I’m leaving it don’t mean that / I won’t be right by your side / When you need me and you can’t see me / In the middle of the night / Just close your eyes and say a prayer / It’s okay boy I ain’t scared / I won’t be here / But I’ll always be right there / Even though I’m leaving I ain’t going nowhere.

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