First, Not Second [country]

Words and music by Michael S. McIntyre and Dean Friscic. Copyright 1997, 2013, 2026. This song is human-authored. Suno was used for the production and vocals of the track. This is the country version. There is also a folk-pop version. If you listen to one, and like it, then you should also listen to the other. Here's why... One song. Two interpretations of it. Like a coin with two sides to look at. Two rings, to choose between - one gold, the other brass. Two perspectives - one more backward-looking, the other more forward-looking. Two moods - one bittersweet and wistful, the other bittersweet and accepting. One dances, one doesn't. But hope characterizes both. Love unifies both. One song. Lyrics: Through the years of our marriage I would sometimes choose To take more time off from work than I liked So I wouldn't lose The ring of gold I should've cared the most about The one who stayed with me year in, year out I tried to put her first, not second I tried to put her first, not second I would say I was sorry And I'd let her know We'd do more things together And that I would let go Of the ring of brass I dreamed I would hold But even then I knew in my soul That work came first, not second That work came first, not second I was caught off guard By the way she said "I've been seeing someone" She was calm as could be And that's when she said "You can do you - I'll do me" She wanted to be first, not second She wanted to be first, not second First, not second She deserved to be first