Dermot Kennedy Pens a Letter to Those in Search of "Better Days"

image

Photo: Paul Gore

In days overwhelmed with uncertainty and isolation, Dermot Kennedy's "Better Days" is a personal letter to those who need heartfelt encouragement. Despite the open-ended language in this single, Kennedy's ability to find intimacy resonates with his growing audience. With a graceful balance of perseverance and contentment, Kennedy's raspy voice articulates a striking story from a hopeful heart.

Caught in the middle of consolation and inspiration, Kennedy threads the needle to pinpoint a sense of community and togetherness on "Better Days." As an artist, Kennedy amplifies the traditional Irish sound by combining a choir and backing instrumentation with his pop-influenced writing.  

Kennedy proves his kindred mindset and acknowledges his subject's struggles, singing, "Better days are comin’, if no one told you / I hate to hear you cryin’, over the phone, dear / For seven years runnin’, you’ve been a soldier." He then moves purposefully to reassurance in the chorus, "I know you’ve been hurtin’ / Waitin’ on a train that just won’t come / The rain, it ain’t permanent / And soon we’ll be dancin’ in the sun / We’ll be dancin’ in the sun / And we’ll sing your song togеther."

Kennedy's talent to harmonize fortitude with comfort gives off a sense of tough, but unconditional, love. This single was released alongside a music video, in which Kennedy is covered in overflowing water while giving an unwavering and intentional performance. Regarding the release, he shared in a statement, "This song and this video are about perseverance and pushing through life's troubles, knowing that something better is always waiting for us on the other side."

With "Better Days," Kennedy expresses a sentiment that the world has been aspiring to hear and believe. He knows the world has been hurting and he anticipates better days for all of us.

Listen to  "Better Days" below:

Related Articles

“last night’s mascara” Is Griff’s Moment of Reckoning

“last night’s mascara” Is Griff’s Moment of Reckoning

November 13, 2024 Griff paints an innately human picture with the song's haunting and provocative sound.
Author: Caroline McKenzie
pop
Luna Luna Takes a Dance-Pop Approach to their Latin Roots in "Una Vez Más"

Luna Luna Takes a Dance-Pop Approach to their Latin Roots in "Una Vez Más"

November 12, 2024 “Una Vez Más” combines Luna Luna’s familiar synth sound with the traditional drum and guacharaca sounds found in many cumbia songs.
Author: Rebeccah Blau
pop
mxmtoon Navigates Change and Its Complicated Feelings in 'liminal space'

mxmtoon Navigates Change and Its Complicated Feelings in 'liminal space'

November 4, 2024 mxmtoon captures all the good and bad of change and makes us all feel a little less alone in the turmoil of transition.
Author: Rebeccah Blau
pop