“Hey Brother”: The Powerful New Song Giving a Voice to Unspoken Grief

In honor of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, SongwritingWith:Soldiers (SW:S) has released an incredibly moving song titled “Hey Brother.” Available on all streaming platforms since September 26, 2025, this track is the result of a powerful collaboration between Marine veteran Tristan Wimmer and hit songwriter Mark Nesler, known for writing classics for stars like Tim McGraw and George Strait. Penned at a SW:S retreat in Texas, the song is a deeply personal tribute from Tristan to his late brother, Kiernan, a fellow Marine who struggled with a traumatic brain injury and later took his own life. The ballad is an opportunity for Tristan to say the words that were left unsaid.

Processing Pain Through Partnership

The raw, honest lyrics of “Hey Brother” lay bare the veteran’s pain and survivor’s guilt: “Hey brother, there’s some things I need to say / Words I kept bottled up, till you blew yourself away… And even though it’s not my fault I still take all the blame.” Tristan Wimmer shared that the songwriting process was “deeply beneficial,” offering him the chance to finally say goodbye to the brother he didn’t have while he was alive, especially after their relationship fractured during Tristan’s four years of work in Afghanistan.

Mark Nesler, who sings lead vocal on the recording, understands the gravity of the song’s subject matter. He emphasizes that this is more than just music; it’s about trust and healing. “I hope that this song will remind us all to say what’s on our heart to the ones we love before they’re gone but truth is, it’s never too late for unconditional love to speak, because it does heal and continue on far beyond us.”

Amplifying the Veteran Experience

SW:S has been transforming lives since 2012, using creative songwriting retreats to build connection, creativity, and strength among veterans and their families. This new track is part of the non-profit’s music program, which aims to create a deeper understanding of the veteran experience and raise civilian awareness of the challenges the military community faces. This work is validated by a pilot study from Harvard/Massachusetts General Hospital, which found the SW:S collaborative songwriting method may support reductions in symptoms of post-traumatic stress and depression.

We urge you to listen to “Hey Brother” and watch the accompanying story-behind-the-song clip to truly appreciate its depth. If you are a veteran in crisis or concerned about one, please know that help is available immediately. Contact the Veterans Crisis Line by Dialing 988 then Press 1 or Texting 838255. The most important thing is for veterans to be heard.