"Can You Die From a Broken Heart" is a collaboration between Nate Smith and Avril Lavigne. The duet came about after Smith and Lavigne teamed up for a duet version of his hit "Bulletproof." After a successful performance of the song at the 2024 ACM Awards, they both wanted to record another together.

The song is exactly what the title suggests: a deep dive into the intense anguish of heartbreak after a relationship ends. For both singers, the pain of heartbreak is so severe it feels life-threatening. "'Can You Die From A Broken Heart' is the epitome of what a heartbreak ballad should feel and sound like," said Smith. "The bridge is my favorite part of the song because it's so epic with the soaring ohs and feels like it gives the slightest nod to 'I'm With You,' which happens to be my favorite Avril song."

Smith's music often explores themes of emotional pain, resilience, and the complexities of relationships. Other songs recorded by Smith that deal with heartache themes include these: "Whiskey On You" touches on themes of moving on after a difficult breakup. "Bulletproof" deals with failed attempts to erase the memory of a former lover. "World On Fire" concerns a relationship scorched beyond recognition. So, "Can You Die From a Broken Heart" fits right into his catalog of emotional carnage. "I've been in that place before during the heartbreak [when] it feels like nothing's gonna fix it, nothing can make you feel better, nothing can take you out of that mindset," Smith told Billboard. "I remember feeling so desperate. That song is so desperate. It's like begging to have that person back."