Alyssa Flaherty Unveils Her Heart in “Broken By You”: A Raw Look at Betrayal and Healing
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
Country music has always been fertile ground for stories of heartbreak and resilience, and newcomer Alyssa Flaherty is stepping into that rich tradition with her latest single, “Broken By You.” Released today, this deeply personal track offers a poignant glimpse into the aftermath of romantic deception, showcasing Flaherty’s thoughtful songwriting and compelling traditional country vocals. It marks a significant turning point for the rising artist, signaling a new era of vulnerability and raw emotional honesty in her music.
“I’m so excited for this new era of music,” shares Flaherty, her enthusiasm palpable. “’Broken By You’ marks the beginning of a story that I’ve been waiting to tell for a long time. My co-writers and I worked to shape my emotions into a story, and this reflection of pain and betrayal was the start of my healing process. Hopefully it can be the same for many others too.” This desire to connect with listeners through shared experience is a hallmark of compelling country music, and Flaherty seems poised to forge a strong bond with her audience through this candid approach.
Co-written by Flaherty, Grant Gilbert, and Adam Hambrick, “Broken By You” delves into the familiar yet agonizing experience of recognizing red flags too late, of time wasted and trust misplaced. It’s a full confession of heartbreak, disappointment, and the difficult struggle to accept that a love once perceived as eternal was, in reality, never genuine. The song captures the raw sting of betrayal, painting a vivid picture of the emotional fallout when a cherished relationship crumbles under the weight of deceit. Flaherty’s delivery is imbued with a quiet strength, her voice carrying the weight of the narrative without resorting to overly dramatic theatrics, allowing the lyrics to truly resonate.
Flaherty’s journey to Nashville, where she moved in 2020 to pursue her musical aspirations full-time, began in her hometown of Annapolis, Maryland. Her innate passion for performing, evident from a young age, led her to captivate audiences at local events, charity functions, and even professional sporting events. While the applause undoubtedly affirmed her burgeoning talent, Flaherty harbored bigger dreams: to write her own songs and carve out a career in music. With the unwavering support of her family, she set her sights on Music City.
A significant turning point in her burgeoning career arrived when Oscar-winning actor Kevin Costner personally selected her to record a rendition of “Amazing Grace” for his ambitious film, Horizon: An American Saga. This high-profile milestone undoubtedly opened doors, paving the way for her official debut single, “Under The Influence,” which was released in June 2024.
With “Broken By You,” Alyssa Flaherty is not just releasing a song; she’s releasing a piece of her soul. Her willingness to lay bare her pain and vulnerability is admirable and speaks to a depth that will undoubtedly resonate with listeners. As her year continues to stack up with more new music and exciting tour runs—including dates with Brad Tursi of Old Dominion, Jo Dee Messina, and Kendell Marvel, before heading overseas for her first international shows this fall—it’s clear that Flaherty is an artist to watch. Her authentic storytelling and traditional country pipes suggest a bright future, one where her music will undoubtedly continue to offer solace and understanding to those navigating their own emotional journeys.
Photo credit: Lily Nelson