Liz Kennedy’s “Coyote”: An Afterlife of Hope, Honesty, and Blackberry Pie
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
Liz Kennedy’s latest single, “Coyote,” is a poignant and deeply personal reflection on transition, resilience, and the search for home. Emerging from a period of significant personal change and the surreal landscape of the early Covid-19 pandemic, Kennedy’s songwriting feels less like a choice and more like a vital expression, a lifeline in a world spinning “crazy.” “Coyote,” the third single from her upcoming album, is a testament to her ability to weave relatable narratives with a unique blend of humor, insight, and raw honesty.
A Song Born from Transition and Transformation:
The genesis of “Coyote” is as compelling as the song itself. Kennedy recounts witnessing a coyote calmly crossing a San Francisco intersection, a rare sight in her 30 years in the city, coinciding with her boyfriend’s invitation to relocate to rural Sonoma County. This pivotal moment, set against the backdrop of the pandemic’s onset, became a catalyst for introspection and creative expression.
Kennedy’s experience of living in the countryside during the pandemic, a stark contrast to her urban life, is vividly captured in the song’s lyrics. She describes it as an “afterlife,” a liminal space where the familiar rules of life were suspended. “It still feels like an afterlife,” she shares, highlighting the lingering sense of disorientation and the profound impact of those transformative months.
“Right Here in This Afterlife”: Lyrical Depth and Emotional Resonance:
The lyrics of “Coyote” are a masterclass in storytelling. Kennedy’s ability to “pour old wine into new bottles,” as Gashouse Radio aptly put it, is evident in her use of familiar themes – home, belonging, and the passage of time – while imbuing them with her own distinctive voice.
The chorus, “Right here in this afterlife,” serves as a recurring motif, grounding the song in the present moment while acknowledging the surreal nature of the experience. The imagery of “new friends in the countryside,” “tomatoes red and ripe,” and “hawks, they’re winging” creates a vivid and evocative picture of Kennedy’s rural sojourn.
The song also explores the tension between leaving and returning, the pull of home and the allure of new beginnings. “It’s time; time does come / When you need to find home,” she sings, acknowledging the inevitable return to her urban roots. Yet, she also expresses a deep connection to her time in the country, promising, “You have my heart, yeah, I’ll come back anytime.”
The closing lines, “Right here in this afterlife / I can bake a blackberry pie,” offer a poignant and relatable image of finding solace and normalcy in the midst of chaos. It’s a reminder that even in the face of profound change, simple pleasures can provide comfort and grounding.
Musical Craftsmanship and Collaborations:
“Coyote” is a testament to the power of collaboration. Produced by Joel Jaffe and Kennedy, and engineered and mixed by J. Jaffe, the song features a stellar lineup of musicians, including Jeff Campitelli, Marc Levine, Hardy Hemphill, Eamonn Flynn, and Pete Contino.
The instrumentation is rich and nuanced, with hand-drums, bass, harmonica, keyboards, and accordion creating a warm and inviting sonic landscape. Kennedy’s vocals, both vulnerable and assured, are the centerpiece of the arrangement, delivering the lyrics with heartfelt sincerity.
Joel Jaffe, a renowned producer and engineer with a long and illustrious career, has been a pivotal figure in Kennedy’s musical journey. His expertise and encouragement have helped her to hone her craft and bring her unique vision to life.
Liz Kennedy: An Artist of Honesty and Insight:
Kennedy’s journey as a singer-songwriter is a testament to her dedication and resilience. After graduating from Stanford University and working in the film industry, she discovered her passion for songwriting later in life. Her honesty, humor, and keen observations of the human experience shine through in her music.
She describes herself as “honest and observant” and emphasizes the importance of being able to “easily laugh at myself.” Her songcraft, where “the lyrics always follow the music,” reflects this thoughtful self-assessment.
Kennedy’s ability to connect with her audience on a personal level is a hallmark of her live performances. She cherishes the intimate setting and the opportunity to hear how her songs resonate with others.
The “Coyote” Video: A Visual Journey:
To accompany the release of “Coyote,” Kennedy has also unveiled an official music video, produced by Eric Peltier. The video, available on her YouTube channel, provides a visual interpretation of the song’s themes, further enhancing its emotional impact.
A Timely Message of Hope and Resilience:
In a world still grappling with the aftermath of the pandemic and facing ongoing challenges, “Coyote” offers a timely message of hope and resilience. It’s a reminder that even in the midst of uncertainty, we can find solace in community, nature, and the simple joys of life.
Liz Kennedy’s “Coyote” is a testament to the power of music to capture the human experience, to provide comfort and inspiration, and to remind us that even in the “afterlife,” we can find our way home.