#38 of 366: Cedar, by Gracie Abrams

It’s been a little bit since we’ve heard some beautiful piano hasn’t it? This song is loaded with it. 

Also, if I’m not mistaken, I am pretty sure this is our first song to feature a harp.

The highlight of this song is in my opinion is here:

“It’s impossible to acclimate, every time we talk, we understate, how I know we both could die, we both could die, but you told me that you felt the same, when I told you how I needed space, but I think it was a lie, it was a lie, and it’s wild how it dissipates, how you’re further from me everyday, this could be the worst goodbye, the worst goodbye, I don’t even know what’s left to say, ’cause we called it back then anyway, could you just remind me why? remind me why”

Standout, stop in your tracks vocals for me there. It’s just such a beautiful fluid melody. You feel that pang of longing. 

It’s funny to me as I type this, and read it back to myself, and have the thoughts of what to right next I’m coming to the realization that I’m essentially writing a musical journal…that’s public, lol. That I disseminate actively and willingly to friends and acquaintances and I think a few strangers? 

The funny thing is that’s the point. I think we need to be more open with one-another about what we’re going through because in my experience 90% of the time we’re all going through the same shit…and we hide it, and bury it, and pretend around one-another. It’s a waste of time when we could be helping one-another with our journeys. It’s a humanist view to be sure. That’s the target I’m aiming at though. In my opinion, only good can come of it.

Gracie’s voice has some reminiscence of Olivia Rodrigo, and the songwriting is inline with what Rodrigo’s authentic depictions of relationships and the angst that comes from them. But in song, that angst is traded for more of a beautiful regretful melancholy. A pain that is a deep, aching, soreness that sometimes flares to life when we think of the one we love. 

Hate on Rodrigo all you want, but Sour was one of the most honest and pure distillations of those HS relationship dramas we all experienced growing up. Honesty, authenticity, and integrity are held in high regard by this publication and human running it. 

Let’s go for a walk today. Time to go outside (if it’s not raining or awful out). If weather doesn’t permit, let’s set aside a half hour tonight to make a cup of something warm, get comfy, and read, write, or create. That’s my plan. I hope you’ll join me!

Thanks for reading. Love you lots!