Country music’s princess, Kelsea Ballerini continues to release tracks that promote equality and women empowerment. Her last single, “Miss Me More” was the first single by a woman to reach the top spot this year, followed by Maren Morris’ “Girl” which snagged the spot back in August. For the last few days, Ballerini has been dropping hints about a new song, leaving fans on the edge of their seat, gearing up to listen. Today, she finally released “homecoming queen?” with a stunning music video to go along with it.

Penned by the songstress with our most recent Woman of the Month, Nicolle Galyon and Jimmy Robbins, “homecoming queen?” is an honest and raw track. Ballerini channels her insecurities and gives herself permission to feel how she feels in the most relatable way. She paints a picture of the “perfect woman,” a high-school homecoming queen, but we quickly learn as listeners that everyone has their own demons. She effortlessly reminds listeners of the age-old adage that no-one is perfect, adding that we should not just have compassion and empathy for others, but ourselves too.

“Does it get hard / to have to play the part? / Nobody’s feeling sorry for ya / But what if I told you the world wouldn’t end / If you started showing what’s under your skin / What if I let ‘em all in on the lies / Even the homecoming queen cries”

The music video is the perfect personification of the message of the beautiful, sonically simple tune. It’s straightforward and uncomplicated as images of her leaving the stage are quickly replaced by images of a younger self, staring down her body in the mirror at various stages in her life flash before our eyes.

As the camera spins around the superstar performer, she is shown without makeup, in sweats, showcasing what most girls look like after a long day of “performing”, making it look like they have it all together. Cowriter Galyon shared on Instagram “THIS SONG ISN’T REALLY ABOUT A HOMECOMING QUEEN. —— It’s about waking up to yourself. And making sure the outside matches the inside. It’s about the bravest thing we can really do – which is to let ourselves be seen as we really are. Thank you @kelseaballerini for “letting em all in on the lie” with me and @jammyrabbins. I know a little girl down the hall that’s gonna need these words somewhere down the road…. Signed, 2001 SHS Homecoming Queen”

Ballerini shared via her social media that she’s “Never been so proud to release anything and start a new chapter… here’s my heart in a song,” and it’s clear that she really did tap into her most vulnerable self to deliver us this beautiful anthem. In a world of filters, fake eyelashes, spray tans and social media highlight reels ruling all, “homecoming queen?” pulls back the curtain, allowing girls of all ages to not only love themselves but realize, we are all just trying to do our best.

To keep up with Kelsea Ballerini follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

“homecoming queen?” is now available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music here on our “New Country Music” playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

Full Lyrics of “homecoming queen?” below.

“HOMECOMING QUEEN?”

Hey homecoming queen
Why do you lie
When somebody’s mean?
Where do you hide?
Do people assume
You’re always alright?
Been so good at smiling
Most of your life

Look damn good in the dress
Zipping up the mess
Dancing with your best foot forward
Does it get hard
To have to play the part?
Nobody’s feeling sorry for ya

But what if I told you the world wouldn’t end
If you started showing what’s under your skin
What if you let ’em all in on the lie?
Even the homecoming queen cries

Hey homecoming queen
How’s things at home?
Still walking on eggshells
When that curtain’s closed
Did your daddy teach you
How to act tough?
Or more like your momma?
Sweep it under the rug

Look damn good in the dress
Zipping up the mess
Dancing with your best foot forward
Did you want the crown
Or does it weigh you down
Nobody’s feeling sorry for ya

What if I told you the world wouldn’t end
If you started showing what’s under your skin?
What if you let ’em all in on the lie?
Even the homecoming queen cries
Yeah, what if I told you the sky wouldn’t fall?
If you lost your composure, said to hell with it all
Not everything pretty sparkles and shines
And even the homecoming queen cries
Oh yeah
Even the homecoming queen cries

Hey homecoming queen
Why do you lie?
When somebody’s mean
Where do you hide?

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