Miranda Lambert easily turned in the performance of the night at the 58th ACM Awards back in May.
She took the stage in a stunning pink gown to perform her fan-favorite song “Carousel,” which was featured on her 2022 Palomino record.
And today, the live audio is out on all streaming platforms, which I’m really excited about because of how incredible that performance was, even earning a standing ovation from her peers after it was over.
Carousel (live from @ACMawards) is out now on all platforms 🎠
Listen here: https://t.co/ZHkspxYZWw pic.twitter.com/eQZi8tVZDP
— Miranda Lambert (@mirandalambert) September 29, 2023
Mostly, I loved that the understated stage production allowed the song got the attention it truly deserved as you had the ability to hang onto every word because of her masterful storytelling and simple delivery.
A co-write by Miranda with Natalie Hemby and Luke Dick, “Carousel” finds two circus performers, Elaina and Harlan Giovanni, missing each other more often than they should, both frequently wondering “what if,” even though they know it was never meant to be.
What I love so much about this song is that the darkness and longing for a life this woman once lived is very palpable, yet she’s moved on to a new life and only remembers those times in little moments, notably when she hears a carousel, hence the title:
“Every show must end, every circus leaves town
I didn’t know the magic left ’til all the lights went down
Now I’m back in Nacogdoches
And I swear I’m doing well
I only miss my Harlan when I hear a carousel”
It’s nuanced, it’s well-crafted, and it might even bring a tear to your eye… I don’t think you can ask for much more than that in a country song.
If only this could ever be a single at country radio… though unfortunately, I won’t hold my breathe on that one.
Miranda previously called it a “once in a lifetime” song, and likened it to what is probably the biggest hit (and most special song) of her career, “The House That Built Me.”
Previously just an Amazon Music exclusive because the ACM’s are now owned by Amazon, I know I’ll have this live version of “Carousel” on repeat for the foreseeable future.
And in case you missed it during the show, you can watch the full performance video here:
Life's a circus when @MirandaLambert is playing "Carousel" at the #ACMawards 🎠
STREAM NOW ➡️ @PrimeVideo or on the @AmazonMusic app and for free on @AmazonFreevee. pic.twitter.com/dK7PMrwh0q
— ACM Awards (@ACMawards) May 13, 2023
“Carousel”
