Maren Morris' new song "Girl" offers soulful reassurance in a universal way, if you let it. It's bigger than an anthem for women who are being held back. Can't we all be her "girl"?

For some, that answer will be no. Men who identify only through gender will step away from the song before the chorus of "Girl" finishes. In country music, that's a significant group — so if the song struggles for airplay that's why.

In 2019, think bigger. Morris is as vocally strong on this ballad as she's ever been, and the sparse early mix serves to frame her improving range and power. The song lumbers along to an emo-rock beat, but finds energy with the collaborative vocal mix and her unwavering belief in what she's saying.

"Girl" is definitely left of center, but isn't that what we love about her?

With this new song, the 28-year-old Texan stays true to the artist country fans fell in love with while listening to Hero, but she also offers something for newfound pop fans. There is tremendous crossover potential for "Girl," but it's unfair to say she's digging up her roots. There is perhaps no other contemporary artist that sits so comfortably on the border of so many genres.

Did You Know?: Co-writer Sarah Aarons helped write "The Middle" and Greg Kurstin has worked with Adele and Sia.

Watch Maren Morris Talk About Her Song "Girl":

 

 

Maren Morris' "Girl" Lyrics:

Man this is unflattering / All up in my head again / I don’t feel myself right now / Maybe I should just lay down / If vanity’s my vitamin / I don’t feel the difference / I don’t like myself right now / Gotta find a way out / What you feel is natural / But I don’t wanna feel this anymore / Pick yourself up off the kitchen floor / What you waiting for.

Chorus:
Girl won’t you stop your crying / I know that you’re trying / Everything’s gonna be okay, baby / Girl don’t you hang your head low / Don’t you lose your halo / Everyone’s gonna be okay, baby / Girl.

Drawing your comparisons / Trying to find who’s lesser than / I don’t wanna wear your crown / When there’s enough to go around / What you feel is natural / You don’t gotta put up with this anymore / Pick yourself up off the kitchen floor / Tell me what you waiting for.

Girl don’t hang your head low Don’t lose your halo, don’t lose your halo / Girl don’t hang your head low / Don’t lose your halo / Girl won’t you stop your crying / I know that you’re trying / Everything’s gonna be okay, baby / Girl don’t you hang your head low / Don’t you lose your halo / Everyone’s gonna be okay, baby / Girl won’t you stop your crying.

I know that you’re trying / Everything’s gonna be okay, baby Girl / Everyone’s gonna be okay, baby.

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