Harriette Pays a Witty Homage to Her Roots in “Goodbye Texas”
In 2021, a song called "at least i’m pretty" took the internet by storm, and rightfully so. It sounded like a mix of Clairo, Phoebe Bridgers, and everything else that is right in this world, as a soft voice sang about cigarettes and therapy over soft indie-pop vocals. Only a minute and forty seconds in length, the track was just long enough to give the listener a taste of what singer-songwriter Harriette has to offer but short enough to leave them wanting more. Finally, two years and three songs later, Harriette is blessing the world with her vocals, and I’m stoked to be writing about her latest, "Goodbye Texas."
Between the fuzzy, D.I.Y. bedroom pop production in "at least i’m pretty" and the witty and tongue-in-cheek storytelling of "Fucking Married," Harriette has already established herself as an artist who cannot be boxed into one particular sound or genre. In "Goodbye Texas," Harriette pays homage to her Southern roots, singing with a traditional Texan twang over folky guitars.
While the sound of "Goodbye Texas" is certainly inspired by Harriette's upbringing surrounded by rodeos and barbecues, the lyricism playfully critiques the traditional beliefs pervasive within Texan culture. As its title suggests, Harriette writes a parting letter to Texas, asking “If I don't vote Republican can I still come home again around Christmas?” and concluding “Breakin’ up with Texas didn't seem to be so reckless, But when you don't own a gun it's a lot less fun.” Harriette is proving herself to be an intellectual songwriter, and "Goodbye Texas" is one of those songs that you listen to on repeat, and eventually, you come to understand the lyrics and realize it isn’t just another country song about tractors and horses.
In addition to the release of “Goodbye Texas,” is its official music video. Directed by Jacqueline Justice and Muriel Margaret, we watch Harriette say one final goodbye to her home state, sporting a long frilly skirt, braids with bows, and cowboy boots. Shot on a retro-style camcorder, the visuals feel nostalgic, almost as if we are looking back on a lifestyle that is no longer.
With each release, the Nashville-based artist is introducing us to her world, and it is nothing short of inventive, curious, and uniquely Harriette.
Watch the "Goodbye Texas" video below:
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