Emily Hines’ “Cowgirl Suit”: A Bittersweet Anthem for a Broken Relationship
Photo Credit: Ellie Carr (IG: @elliecarr.photography)
Emily Hines’ latest single, “Cowgirl Suit,” is a striking blend of personal reflection and cultural critique, standing at the intersection of heartfelt songwriting and poignant social commentary. As the lead single from her forthcoming debut album These Days, Hines positions herself as an artist unafraid to dive into the murky waters of complicated emotions—especially those that arise from a broken heart.
“Cowgirl Suit” was born out of frustration and introspection following a "sort-of break up." The artist recounts being labeled “too bitter towards the church,” a comment that struck a nerve. Rather than an indictment of faith, Hines’ response in the form of this song is a nuanced exploration of her feelings toward American evangelicalism and the often manipulative behaviors that masquerade as love.
“At its core, ‘Cowgirl Suit’ is just an earnest letter filled with all the things I was too scared to say at the time.”
This emotional honesty Hines’ recalls pervades both the song’s lyrics and its delivery, making it a standout track not just for its content but also for its authenticity.
Raised on a small farm in rural Ohio, Hines’ roots in folk and country music run deep. Drawing influence from artists like Norah Jones, Feist, Adrienne Lenker, and Karen Dalton, she has crafted a sound that feels both timeless and distinctively her own. Hines spent years releasing music under various monikers throughout high school and college, gradually building the confidence to release under her given name starting in 2020. Now based in Nashville, Hines has cultivated a strong sense of cohesion in her sound through constant collaboration and performance, a journey that is evident in the careful attention to detail throughout These Days.
In “Cowgirl Suit,” Hines’ lyricism shines with a conversational ease that feels raw but never unpolished. Lines like, “I’m just honest about what I hate / and I won’t stay to satiate those who profit from my pain” encapsulate the song’s core tension—Hines wrestles with the expectations of a relationship, both personal and spiritual, while reclaiming her own sense of self. This is not just a breakup song; it’s a declaration of boundaries. The emotional complexity deepens when Hines sings, “I’m sorry if I wasted your time / I don’t think I wasted mine,” a stark and unapologetic admission of self-worth, which elevates the track beyond traditional confessional songwriting.
Her vocal performance on “Cowgirl Suit” is a masterclass in understated emotion—she doesn’t rely on vocal gymnastics to communicate her feelings, but instead, she uses subtlety to draw the listener in. The vulnerability is palpable, creating an atmosphere that feels more like an intimate confession than a performance. As the song unfolds, Hines transitions from personal heartbreak to a broader cultural lament, skillfully weaving together her disillusionment with both a past relationship and the institutional church.
The production, helmed by Henry Park and supported by Jeff Carroll’s mastering, perfectly complements the song’s themes. Recorded live on a four-track and later layered with contributions from friends, “Cowgirl Suit” retains a natural, almost homespun charm. The organic feel of the recording is a breath of fresh air in an industry often obsessed with perfection. This approach creates a sense of warmth and immediacy, making the listener feel as though they are sitting in on the recording session, hearing the song come to life in real time.
Hines’ choice to lead with “Cowgirl Suit” as the debut single from These Days was a wise one. It encapsulates the album’s core themes of personal growth, relationships, and disillusionment while offering a glimpse into the larger narrative. The song’s sonic landscape—delicate yet purposeful—evokes a nostalgic feeling, reminiscent of a time when music had the power to provoke thought without the noise of modern-day distractions.
Perhaps the most poignant moment of the song comes in the final verse, where Hines delivers the line: “Don’t pray for me / I’m as safe as can be.” In these closing words, Hines asserts her autonomy, rejecting the well-meaning but often intrusive spiritual interventions that can come from those who believe they know better. It’s a bold statement of self-assurance, not of bitterness, but of clarity.
Following the release of “Cowgirl Suit,” Hines recently rolled out two more singles—sister tracks “All Of Our Friends” and “Callin Ya” — further evidence that These Days is poised to be a deeply reflective and musically rich work of art.
Hines will be opening for Brother Elsey at Cannery Hall in Nashville this November, and there’s no doubt that “Cowgirl Suit” will resonate powerfully in a live setting, drawing listeners into the intimate yet universal emotions that define her work.
In a time where much of modern music is consumed and forgotten in the span of a day, Emily Hines' “Cowgirl Suit” feels like reconnecting with an old friend. It’s a song that invites repeated listens, each one revealing new layers of depth. As the lead-in to her debut album, it sets the stage for Hines to become a compelling voice in the singer-songwriter world — one that is as introspective as it is resonant.
Follow Emily on Instagram: @emilyhiines