A journey into the heart of “Right Back to It”: discover the folk embrace of Waxahatchee and MJ Lenderman amid love, nostalgia, and warm acoustic harmonies.
Katie Crutchfield’s Return to Her Roots
When Katie Crutchfield first launched the Waxahatchee project, the indie world immediately recognized a storyteller of uncommon depth. However, it was her shift toward Americana and alt-country sounds that allowed her songwriting to reach a crystalline maturity. “Right Back to It”, featuring a collaboration with MJ Lenderman, represents the pinnacle of this evolution. Released as a lead single for the album Tigers Blood, the track established itself as an instant classic, evoking the dusty roads of the American South and the crispness of a spring morning. In this song, Crutchfield definitively leaves behind the lo-fi distortions of her early days to embrace an acoustic purity that warms the heart.
A Duet Born Under the Sign of Authenticity
The true strength of “Right Back to It” lies in the vocal alchemy between Katie Crutchfield and MJ Lenderman. The latter, a prominent figure in the contemporary indie scene (known for both his solo work and his membership in the band Wednesday), provides much more than a simple guest feature; he becomes the perfect companion, a kind of reassuring echo. Their voices intertwine in harmonies reminiscent of the great duets in country history, such as those of Emmylou Harris and Gram Parsons. There is no competition between them, only mutual support that perfectly reflects the song’s central theme: the stability of a bond that withstands life’s storms.
The Comfort of a Love That Remains
The lyrics of “Right Back to It” celebrate emotional security. In a musical landscape often obsessed with the pain of a breakup or the thrill of a new chase, Waxahatchee chooses to sing about what comes next: the stage where you know each other deeply and, despite doubts or brief distances, always end up getting “right back to it”. The recurring line “I get right back to it” describes that almost instinctive return to a safe harbor, to a person who knows us better than anyone else. It is an anthem to accepted vulnerability and the beauty of routine, described not as boredom, but as a precious refuge against external chaos.
Instrumentation and Acoustic Soundscapes
From a technical standpoint, the song is a jewel of simplicity and balance. The acoustic guitar leads the melody with a calm, steady pace, while Lenderman’s dreamy, “twangy” electric guitar adds brushstrokes of classic country color. The rhythm is lazy, almost sleepy, inviting the listener to slow down and pay attention to every single nuance. The production is clean yet vibrant, giving the impression that the band is playing right there, on a porch at sunset. This sonic honesty allows the song to feel timeless, far removed from the fleeting trends of hyper-compressed pop production.
Why Right Back to It is a Necessary Song
In an era of digital frenzy, listening to “Right Back to It” is an act of resistance. It reminds us that music can still be a space for contemplation and that the deepest feelings do not need to be shouted to be heard. With this track, Waxahatchee has confirmed her status as one of the most important voices of her generation, capable of renewing the American folk tradition without betraying its original spirit. Whether you are a fan of the genre or simply a listener seeking a moment of peace, this song will welcome you like an old friend, bringing you, every time, “right back to where it all makes sense”.
