Riley Green’s Live Performance of “I Wish Grandpas Never Died” Left the Entire Crowd in Tears
Riley Green Brings Raw Emotion to “I Wish Grandpas Never Died” On Stage Some country songs feel bigger than the artist who sings them, and Riley Green’s “I Wish Grandpas Never Died” is one of those rare examples. Released in 2019 on his debut album Different ’Round Here, the ballad struck listeners with its simple honesty.
Rather than weaving metaphors, Green lists everyday wishes—fishing holes that never dry up, family traditions that never fade, and, most poignantly, the hope that grandfathers could live forever. The sentiment is both deeply personal and universally felt. The song began as a tribute to Green’s own grandfathers, who played a huge role in shaping his love for music and his values. To honor them, he gave both men songwriter credits on the track.
Fans embraced it instantly, and it quickly became one of the most requested songs at his shows. A Different Kind…
