First Aid Kit: “Emmylou”

The second single off of First Aid Kit’s newest The Lion’s Roar, “Emmylou” brings a twang of sweetness where the last one emitted waves of angst. A tribute to some of the greatest love stories of country and folk music, the Swedish sister duo make sentimental references to Johnny Cash, June Carter, Gram Parsons, and the namesake of the song — Emmylou Harris. (Fun fact: the music video for “Emmylou” was filmed in Joshua Tree National Park in California, in the same town where Gram Parsons overdosed in 1973. The site had held a great deal of sentimental value for the singer.)

Plain and simple, this is the kind of song that makes you want to sit and sing to someone. The verses of “Emmylou” are in First Aid Kit’s well-known crooning rhythmic style. However, the strength of the song primarily lies in the catchy and heart melting refrain:

I’ll be your Emmylou and I’ll be your June
If you’ll be my Gram and my Johnny, too
No, I’m not asking too much of you
Just sing, little darling, sing with me

The release of “Emmylou” as their next single after “The Lion’s Roar” was a smart move on the part of First Aid Kit, as the contrasting feel of the two songs shows an admirable amount of range while maintaining their particular brand of alternative folk that has become their signature. A little bit tribute and a little bit love song, with “Emmylou” First Aid Kit have hit an undeniably palatable blend.