Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: folk
Song Meaning of “Be Good” by Waxahatchee
“Be Good” by Waxahatchee is a pared-down and honest look at the sacrifices necessary to sustain a relationship. The title is both a plea and a command in which lead singer Katie Crutchfield offers herself as a safe space and refuge to her partner, even in the face of insecurity and doubt.
The song is a reflection on how difficult it is to navigate the inherent uncertainty of a romantic relationship. While attempting to maintain a sense of optimism and strength, the narrator confronts a wide range of insecurities, from not being enough, to feeling inadequate or invisible. Ultimately, it is a song about the everyday struggles of loving and being loved, as well as the emotional labor and compromises necessary to make a relationship last.
The acoustic guitar is the driving force of this song, complemented by tight harmonies and simple, percussive drums that coat the song in a layer of warmth and familiarity. The lyrics are straight-forward and emotionally-resonant, emphasizing the narrator’s rawness and sincerity. Crutchfield’s powerful vocals add to the vulnerability of the track, conveying both the gravity of the subject matter and her hope of resilience.
“Be Good” is a song about resilience and dedication, though not without a full acknowledgement of the pain and fragility that comes with committing to another person. It is an invitation to trust in love and recognize that navigating a relationship is never just black and white. In the end, it is an earnest reminder that all human relationships require attention, care, and communication in order to work.