Katie Crutchfield has released six studio albums under the name Waxahatchee. Her sixth studio album, Tigers Blood, features some of her most exceptional songwriting. The release earned her a Grammy Award nomination for Best Americana Album, her first-ever nomination. The album peaked at No. 27 on the US Independent Albums chart and No. 4 on the UK Independent Albums chart.
Her signature indie rock approach, mixed with elements of country and vocal inspiration from the likes of Lucinda Williams, proved effective on this release. A fan favorite from the album has been “Crowbar”, though not released as a single. It’s become a staple of live performances since the album’s release.
“Crowbar” features guitar work by MJ Lenderman, along with drummer Spencer Tweedy, known for his work with his father, Jeff Tweedy of Wilco. The song explores themes of codependency, creating problems in our own heads, and the vulnerability of a relationship. Crutchfield got very poetic on this track, which makes it a standout on the record filled with poetry. Codependency is a consistent theme in Crutchfield’s songwriting. You can sense her uncertainty and lost feelings in the opening lines. Mentioning an unmade bed, but then it comes off as hopeful soon after.
I left your heart of glass in my unmade bed
In the right time, you could shine so bright in my doubtful eyes
And I imprint all your ideas on mine
I move awkwardly at the speed of light.
Maybe it’s easier to be afraid
Drenched in tragedy, manmade
And my compass is an antique
But if I’m not back soon, don’t come looking for me.
Crutchfield Gets Poetically Personal
She exposes insecurities within the lyrics, seeing herself as awkward and afraid. Sometimes, it’s easier or instinctual to be afraid within a relationship rather than comfortable. The line “drench in tragedy manmade” references pain that she brings onto herself with her own thoughts.
You can take it pretty far on a prayer that’s pale and synthetic
Bending my crowbar with tension that’s telekinetic
A paradox poetic, you get choked up reading the classics
Your pride’ll take a gluttonous bite
A stupid question, I’d rather not ask it.
The chorus is a brilliant use of wordplay that continues the themes outlined in the verses. It touches on the unspoken tension within a relationship, referencing telekinesis. The insecurity is carried over as well, hinted at in the final line, “A stupid question, I’d rather not ask it.” There’s tension, uncertainty, and self-sabotage at play in this one. But overall, there’s hopefulness and recognition of one’s own maturity as well. It’s a grand example of Katie Crutchfield’s signature poetry, which takes more than a few listens to fully comprehend the meaning. Even then, it’s still open to interpretation, as her fan base loves dissecting her song meanings.
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