Experience Rachael Kilgour's aching heartbreak in "Rabbit in the Road" - WXPN | Vinyl At Heart
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Rachael Kilgour | Photo by Graham Tolbert via the artist’s website

Meet Minnesota-based singer songwriter, Rachael Kilgour, who displays her incredible storytelling talents in her latest single, “Rabbit in the Road.” In this heartbreaking, emotional folk ballad, Kilgour crafts a beautifully woven story with her vulnerable and honest lyrics. Like all good storytellers, her words draw complete attention from its listener — making them eagerly grasp at lyrics to come, and hang on to and cherish what’s already past.

The same could be said of the meaning behind the song. Just as “Rabbit in the Road” looks back on the aching loss and heartbreak of ending a relationship, it also emanates a feeling of somber acceptance and the hope of moving on.

The verses throughout the song allow Kilgour to directly address her past lover with raw honesty, beginning with the blunt opening lines, “You’re scared of getting stuck, scared to be alone / you’re scared of your own history, and now you’re scared of all my songs.”  And with that, the listener is hooked.

Through these accusatory verses, however, there is never a hint of meanness or anger present in Kilgour’s voice.  Rather, she acknowledges her ex’s flaws with a wistful, learned acceptance.  But just as Kilgour convinces the listener of her moving on, she reminisces on the happy times. This makes the chorus, which is backed by a sweeping orchestra and achingly sings, “Ohh, we’ll still grow old / Not side by side, but on our own,” even more powerful and moving, because the listener knows that those good time reminisces will never fade away, and that the growing acceptance is an everyday battle.

The lines of the bridge, which state, “I cannot say I trust you, and I don’t want to be your friend / But I think I see your goodness again” also serve as the tender closing remarks of the ballad.  These lyrics perfectly wrap up the heartfelt song by ending on notes of growing forgiveness — even through hurtful remembrance of the past.

Kilgour will be making her way through ouy area to play at Burlap and Bean, in Newtown Square just outside of Philly, on May 18th. I thoroughly advise making the short trip out there (and perhaps bringing along some tissues) because I can only imagine how powerful this song will sound live. More details on the show can be found on the XPN Concert Calendar. Listen to “Rabbit in the Road” below.

Tour Dates:

2/24 Uncommon Ground // Chicago, IL
2/25 Pump House Concerts // East Lansing, MI
3/3 The Park Theater // Hayward, WI
3/4 Crescendo // Madison, WI with Josh Harty
3/12 Des Moines Social Club // Des Moines, IA
3/19 Teatro Zuccone // Duluth, MN
3/23 Root Note // La Crosse, WI
3/24 Cafe Carpe // Fort Atkinson, WI
4/1 Cedar Cultural Center // Minneapolis, MN with Lucy Kaplansky
5/6 Circle of Friends Coffee House // Franklin, MA with Catie Curtis
5/8 Club Passim // Cambridge, MA with John Craigie
5/11 Light Club Lamp Shop // Burlington, VT
5/12 Greenwich Village Showcase // NY, NY
5/18 Burlap and Bean // Newtown Square, PA
5/20 Burghsong Concert Series Pittsburgh, PA

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