Boygenius Release Three New Singles
boygenius make their long-awaited return with a three-piece pack of singles “$20,” “Emily I’m Sorry” and “True Blue.” The supergroup composed of Phoebe Bridgers, Lucy Dacus, Julien Baker, recently announced their second project arriving on March 31, 2023. The trio has not released music since their 2018 self-titled EP boygenius.
“Emily I’m Sorry”
“Emily I’m Sorry” is an attention-grabber off the bat. It is rumored to name-drop the ex of Phoebe Bridgers: Emily Bannon. There was speculation in 2018 that the voiceover actress and vocal artist Bannon and singer Bridgers were romantically involved. Supposedly, they eventually split in 2019. Anyhow, “Emily I’m Sorry” by boygenius features lead vocals from Phoebe and background vocals from bandmates Julien Baker and Lucy Dacus.
In “Emily I’m Sorry,” Phoebe is deeply introspective about her relationship with her rumored ex-lover Emily. She recognizes her faults and the turmoil she has caused her partner. “She’s asleep in the backseat / Looking peaceful enough to me / But she’s wakin’ up inside a dream / Full of screeching tires and fire,” Bridgers sings. The singer-songwriter becomes apologetic in an abrupt awakening she faces. “And Emily (Emily), I’m sorry, I just / Make it up as I go along / Yet, I can feel myself becoming (I can feel myself) / Someone only you could want,”
Suddenly, Phoebe realizes it may be too late to patch up the holes in the relationship, and she was giving less than what she was receiving from Emily. “Just take me back to Montreal / I’ll get a real job, you’ll go back to school…” This lyric emphasizes the two were on separate paths. Emily was looking to settle down and Phoebe wasn’t committing to a serious relationship. Now, Phoebe wants to make sacrifices in order to save the relationship, but Emily is moving on.
“True Blue” And “$20”
Conversely, “True Blue” by boygenius sees Lucy Dacus singing an endearing love song. Dacus has found peace in a loyal and committed relationship.“And it feels good to be known so well / I can’t hide from you like I hide from myself / I remember who I am when I’m with you / Your love is tough, your love is tried and true blue / Blue,” she sings. Her partner knows her all too well, and brings Lucy back to her true self.
Lastly, Julien Baker is the lead vocalist on “$20.” The soft punk track sees Bridgers and Dacus chiming in to finish her sentences. Harmonies and layered vocals create a suspenseful buildup to Bridgers going into full screamo mode.
These three talented songwriters are serving us harmonies, poetic lyrics, and all the feels. The forthcoming album will surely take our emotions by storm. Stream “Emily I’m Sorry,” “True Blue,” and “$20” from boygenius here.
