Before its live debut this weekend at Rhode Island's Newport Folk Festival, The Highwomen shared a folksy message of common courtesy and widespread acceptance early this morning (July 26) through its second single, "Crowded Table."
The supergroup of Brandi Carlile, Natalie Hemby, Maren Morris and Amanda Shires' big reveal matches the high water mark set just one week ago by "Redesigning Women." Ace musicianship, beautiful harmonies and an important sociopolitical message mark both songs from the group's self-titled debut album, out Sept. 6.
That said, "Crowded Table" brings a different message than "Redesigning Women." While the latter furthered Runaway June's mission to shift the portrayal of women in country songs from nameless "girls" to cognizant adults, the former champions a fair shake for everyone regardless of age, social status or gender identity. Incidentally or not, these songs arrived in a logical order: women need a fairer shot at commercial airplay and hit songs before everyone gets an equal place setting at the country music table.
Read More: Watch The Highwomen and Friends Burn Their Baggage in the 'Redesigning Women' Music Video
Carlile and Hemby co-wrote "Crowded Table" with award-winning singer-songwriter Lori McKenna.
"Crowded Table" Lyrics:
You can hold my hand
When you need to let go
I can be your mountain
When you're feeling valley-low
I can be your streetlight
Showing you the way home
If you can hold my hand
When you need to let go
I want a house with a crowded table
And a place by the fire for everyone
Let us take on the world while we're young and able
And bring us back together when the day is done
If we want a garden
We're gonna have to sow the seed
Plant a little happiness
Let the roots run deep
If it's love that we give
Then it's love that we reap
If we want a garden
We're gonna have to sow the seed
