Trippy.
Today, Kacey Musgraves released a psychedelic new music video for her song “Cardinal,” which was featured on her album Deeper Well that was released back in March.
In terms of the production, it definitely leaned into her more alt-pop sensibilities, but does have some beautiful acoustic guitar that gives it a really grounded feeling, too. The subject matter focuses on the beautiful red bird (which is also the state bird of North Carolina, so I’ve always been partial to them), and how many believe they can be a sign from a loved one who has passed on.
And in fact, “Cardinal” was inspired Kacey’s friend, late, great John Prine, who passed away in April of 2020. Kacey says that “unexplainable things” started happening in the wake of his passing, and she started having cardinals show up at her doorstep.
According to People, Kacey explained that Prine always had a big connection to cardinals and felt that they were messengers from the spiritual realm:
“Unexplainable things started happening and cardinals started showing up on my doorstep soon after my good friend and mentor passed, John Prine.
He always had a big connection to cardinals and felt that they were messengers from the spirit realm. He inspired this song, no doubt.”
Written by Kacey along with album co-producers Daniel Tashian and Ian Fitchuk, she previously sent it as a single to US Triple A radio (an alternative chart), where it was doing quite well.
It’s a fun, funky album opener with a little bit of 70’s flair in the melodies, and it definitely grew on me over time. I also have family members who love cardinals for many reasons, some similar to why Prine did, so I think the personal connection definitely helped me fall for this song.
The music video has some gorgeous shots of Kacey singing in a charming house, but also some trippy visuals that flash throughout the second half of the video, as well.
I’m sure John Prine is looking down on her smiling with this song, and you should definitely check it out while you’re here too:
