Song Review – “The Trailer Song” By Kacey Musgraves
It was nothing short of inexplicable how ‘The Trailer Song” didn’t find its way onto Kacey Musgraves’ debut major label release. After all, the album was called Same Trailer, Different Park. The song was perfect for it. It fit right in with the other songs, without being too close for comfort with any of them. The whole trailer park motif is what Kacey’s been sporting all across the country on tour: rolling out Astro Turf for a stage rug and putting up little miniature-sized white picket fences around her drum riser. She plays “The Trailer Song” all the time, and whether you dig the tune or not, it’s hard not to admit it fits perfectly with the little kitschy niche she’s carved out for herself. And if she wasn’t going to put “The Trailer Song” on Same Trailer, where would it show up?
Hard to argue that “The Trailer Song” omission did Kacey too much damage however. She can sit back in her house in Nashville, maybe imbibing in a little respiratory refreshment, and stare up on her mantle to the Grammy and Academy of Country Music statuettes the album has won her. But as critically-successful as Same Trailer, Different Park has been, it still feels like a few opportunities were missed, including with “The Trailer Song”. And if we’re going to talk about the successes, let’s fairly point out that even with a Grammy and ACM sales bump, Same Trailer has still yet to crest that 500,000 plateau that puts a gold record on your wall. It will happen though, and despite its absence on the album “The Trailer Song” just might help.
When the 4th single from Same Trailer, Different Park “Keep It To Yourself” was released in March, I almost wanted to laugh. Decent song, but it never had a chance on country radio. It still eeked out a #32 showing on the airplay chart, and #40 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs, but like many of country music’s female performers, Kacey Musgraves has a singles problem. Even her game changing song “Merry Go ‘Round” never cracked the Top 10, despite an impressively-elongated stay on the charts.
Aside from “Merry Go ‘Round”, which still came out so much before Same Trailer that it didn’t aid album sales as much as it could have, I have second-guessed every single Kacey Musgraves single release. Like an angry computer tech, I’ve wanted to lean on the should of whoever is in charge of A&R at her label while condescendingly ordering “move!” so I can supplant myself at the helm. Sure, they delivered Kacey a few pretty important trophies, but otherwise it seems like Mercury Nashville is perfectly clueless of what to do with her, despite otherwise putting their machine totally behind her.
“The Trailer Song” is nothing special. But it shows off Kacey’s infectious and endearing wit, and her keen sense of perspective. And it’s catchy, and kitschy, and so very Kacey, and deliciously Country with a capital ‘C’ in both approach and sound. Is “The Trailer Song” a hit? No. But neither was “Merry Go ‘Round”, and it still became one because it was just weird enough to work.
Kacey Musgraves, who skipped her opportunity to perform at the ACM Awards in April because producers only wanted to give her 60 seconds, took the opportunity of a Jimmy Fallon slot to perform “The Trailer Song” to a national audience. The performance comes ahead of a big moment for Kacey, as she takes the stage with pop star Katy Perry for a CMT Crossroads performance ahead of a short tour with Katy this summer. Many country folks are up in arms over the pairing, but just appreciate they call the CMT program “Crossroads” for a reason, and cross genre collaborations are the entire point. And the Katy/Kacey pairing seems to be more playful than a paradigm shift for Kacey—the fact that she’s debuting arguably her most country song to date in “The Trailer Song” being solid evidence that this is the case.
Again, “The Trailer Song” is nothing special. But if given a chance on country radio, I tend to think it could actually compete if given a proper nudge.
1 1/2 of 2 guns up.
“The Trailer Song” is available on iTunes.
June 13, 2014 @ 9:02 am
Sounds like a country song.,,
June 13, 2014 @ 9:05 am
“Merry Go Round” peaked at #10 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart (here’s the Billboard Country Update issue with the chart and a blurb about the accomplishment). It also peaked at #10 on the Country Aircheck/Mediabase chart (Country Aircheck 2/25/13 issue).
If you’re talking about the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart then yes, “Merry Go Round” peaked out of the t10 (at #14). But if you’re talking about the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, then “Follow Your Arrow” peaked at #10 after the Grammy Awards, despite never cracking t40 on the airplay charts.
Anyway, “The Trailer Song” has long been one of my favorite Kacey Musgraves songs. I think it wasn’t included on Same Trailer, Different Park because the label wanted an album with a country base but mainstream pop appeal, and the decision has always annoyed me. I was so glad when Kacey performed “The Trailer Song” at her Opry debut, because it was a sign she wasn’t abandoning the song. And now, I’m glad she’s showcasing and releasing it, if only to Itunes. “Catchy and kitschy” is a great way to describe it, Trigger. It embodies what makes Kacey distinctive in the mainstream country market: her ability to balance social commentary with a very contemporary sense of humor, on a very country song.
June 13, 2014 @ 9:20 am
Kacey is in the same situation Jamey Johnson was a few years ago for me. A critical favorite, and someone I really want to see have chart success, but I just don’t see it being possible in the current market place. It’s why I’m all for her touring with Katy Perry. If it can expose her to a wider audience, then I say go for it. Just so long as she stays true to her music, I don’t see anything bad coming of it.
June 13, 2014 @ 10:35 am
Interestingly too, they both were on the same label Mercury until Jamey recently moved on.
I’m still conflicted on how much Jamey’s disappearance had to do with the industry and fans not getting behind, and how much it had to do with himself, or potentially hangups tied to his contract. I think Jamey could still resurrect some mainstream muscle, but he has to get on it sooner than later. His window is closing quickly. Kacey on the other hand could be just getting started. The radio dilemma for her must be solved, but there are tons of positive signs, including the release of this song.
June 13, 2014 @ 9:33 am
I think Dale Watson would call that one a “real country song.” I like it.
June 13, 2014 @ 10:37 am
Appreciate that Kacey Musgraves not only won Grammy Awards and an ACM Award, but also won a Lone Star Music Award this year, illustrating the breath of her appeal amongst conscious music consumers. And she’s also a Texan, which gives her additional brownie points in the Texas scene; something Miranda Lambert has not been able to hold on to.
June 15, 2014 @ 8:54 am
I understand. After reading numerous articles and interviews, I really like her attitude as an artist and thought about buying Same Trailer, Different Park. I just didn’t like the songs I heard enough to buy it. Personal preference, largely. They were the type of songs I’d be happy to listen on the radio if I HAD to listen to the radio. This one is more in my zone, if you will. Also, I appreciate that she, as someone with some mainstream success, played a traditional sounding country song on national TV.
June 13, 2014 @ 9:46 am
IMHO , Kacey Musgraves , Brandy Clark and Miranda Lambert are among the very , very FEW purveyors of great country songwriting whose songs have found their way to the mainstream . When I first heard Kacey’s ‘ Merry-Go-Round’ on our local country station I was driving with my 25 year old rock’ n roller son and we both had the exact same reaction ..’HOW THE HELL DID SOMETHING THIS GOOD GET ON THE RADIO ” ? After we were towed from the ditch ( story embellishment by poster ) I went home and chased down SAME TRAILER DIFFERENT PARK and reveled in its freshness and its cleverness in song after song …each one actually about something and delivered in true traditional country fashion. Then I e-mailed every musician and songwriter and interested friend in my files ( as well as the local radio station where I’d heard the song ) to make sure they didn’t miss this one. . Hands down my favorite record in many many years and one I’ve listened to more times than I can count . Its smart , its melodic , its hooky and its produced in the only way that would showcase the above with any justice .
The ‘new’ Trailer Song would , indeed , have been the perfect fit on this record and I too am at a loss to explain why it wasn’t included . And yes, there were probably better ‘ single’ choices than the ones made , Trigger , but I am just ecstatic when something this great receives the recognition it has .
With regards to the Katy Perry tour …..I’m also a huge Katy Perry fan . Her lyrics , melodies , performances and arrangements are , again in my opinion , among the best pop has to offer . I’m not surprised that she would recognize Kacey’s songwriting gifts and I think we all owe Ms. Perry a debt of gratitude for enabling Kacey’s talents to be showcased to the masses they , no doubt , will be on the upcoming tour . ALL of those Katy fans will get to hear REAL country writing and arrangements …not the Cruise Kids version of ‘ country ‘ music . What more could we , as supporters and promoters of the genre, ask for ?
June 13, 2014 @ 11:19 pm
Stop
worshipping
Miranda.
She’s as forgettable as bro country. She’s nothing special. People need to deal with itl
June 14, 2014 @ 11:17 pm
You are completely and totally wrong about that. Miranda is one of the few that is legit county and gets major airplay and sales. Not saying that every song is great but for the most part she deserves the accolades. Her first four records were as good as any county female’s four releases artists in the past 15 years. And, while not great; Platinum is good.
June 15, 2014 @ 12:44 am
And lets not forget a couple of solid releases from the Pistol Annies on Miranda’s resume .
Yup ….Miranda is a Artist -capital “A” – , I think , I there are only a small handful of those folks on county radio today .
June 16, 2014 @ 10:10 am
Read the Billboard reviews about Miranda that are highlighted up above there.
I don’t know of anyone who “worships” Miranda. She is not a demi-god. Country music is a sacerdotal system. You make the sacrifices and people will follow your career and buy your music.
Why would our love of Miranda give anyone such a big pinch? You get over it.
I enjoy her style and “champion” her success.
June 20, 2014 @ 1:35 pm
Some of my favorite Miranda Lambert songs were never released as singles.
June 13, 2014 @ 9:48 am
That would have been my favorite song on the album ”¦ had it been on there.
June 13, 2014 @ 9:50 am
I think she is holding it for her next album along with a couple of other songs that she has played live without an album home. I dont get why everybody is up in arms about the Katy Perry thing she is also on tour with Willie Nelson and Alison Krauss I know because I am seeing her in a week with them. Katy comes from a countryish background. They are doing a couple of Dolly Parton songs on Crossroads tonight I hear.
June 13, 2014 @ 10:47 am
Good point. She plays dozens of dates with Willie and Alison Krauss, and then plays half a dozen with Katy Perry, and that is what everyone focuses on. Personally, I don’t like the Katy Perry pairing, but the most important tell tale sign is the music. If Kacey was coming out in a cone bra and singing bubblegum pop songs then sure, there’d be a reason for concern. But the pairing doesn’t seem to have affected her music at all so screw it, let a bunch of pop fans get a douse of some traditional sounding country and find out how it can be cool. Kacey seems strong willed enough to collaborate with another artist yet still hold on to herself.
June 13, 2014 @ 11:34 am
She’s also been opening for Zac Brown lately.
June 13, 2014 @ 9:53 am
Such a cute song (the sweetly sung “you nosy bitch” in the last chorus and the way she says “it ain’t mine” when referring to the underwear on her laundry line especially get me every time 😀 ); I really hope it shows up on her next album, even if it’s just as a hidden / “bonus” track.
June 13, 2014 @ 10:32 am
I might like Kacey Musgraves more if it didn’t seem like every single song she releases is pushing a social agenda.
June 13, 2014 @ 10:54 am
I would tend to agree with you, and I think that her penchant for strong social commentary is one of the things holding her back. But in this song she gets the balance right where she says something, but it’s not in a polarizing manner. Everyone can relate to nosy neighbors, and the judgmental part of the human condition that comes along with it. Not everyone will get behind “Kiss lots of girls if that’s what you’re into.”
June 13, 2014 @ 1:23 pm
…..far better this way than the other . We finally have someone writing VERY creative and often extremely emotional songs about real issues people deal with no matter their lifestyle , their age or their musical preferences . People ( and the industry ) have responded and rewarded her for it . THIS is the kind of writer not only country but all genres should take note of . She is a torchbearer for the tradition of crafting meaningful , memorable and melodic music song in and song out which will stand the test of time . I absolutely respect her gift , her ability and her observations and her convictions….a light in the storm , as it were , on those days I attempt to survive the onslaught of an hour or so of mainstream’ country’ radio .
June 13, 2014 @ 2:06 pm
I would agree this song has a good balance, and taken on it’s own, I don’t have a problem with it. It’s a fun song, and will probably have a funny video. To me, it’s when you listen to a lot of her material that I get the problem.. by that I mean it’s hard to listen to her music and not get a pretty clear view of what her political views are. In a way that’s great (personal music is nice), but I don’t really care for agenda-driven music.
June 13, 2014 @ 2:46 pm
While I generally agree about agenda-driven songs (on both sides), I think “Follow Your Arrow” is a very important song and message for young women. Not just “kiss lots of girls,” that’s just one part of it. While she’s saying yeah, why not kiss a girl or smoke a joint if you want to, she’s also saying it’s ok to be a so-called “prude” or to not drink or smoke; just be whoever you want to be. It’s too inclusive for me to consider it an agenda song.
From the female perspective I can say that women (especially young women) can’t possibly hear that message enough, that it’s ok to just be who we are, because we hear negative crap to the contrary from all directions every single day.
I think Kacey just writes what she experiences and feels more than trying to create an agenda; at least that’s the impression I get. And this song is just fun (in a smart way), which creates a nice balance with some of her other material.
June 15, 2014 @ 10:39 pm
A good message for young women would be to better themselves by making good life choices, and competing in the workplace. “Follow Your Arrow” is basically saying, do what you want, then blame others for your failings.
June 13, 2014 @ 3:36 pm
I agree with Melissa on “Follow Your Arrow.” It’s essential message is “be yourself.” If anything the media and internet has hyped up the so-called social agenda of that song, which to me, in our current times, is perfectly understandable. But to say “every single song” she has released has a social agenda, I’m not really sure I understand how you come to that conclusion. I don’t get a whiff of that at all on any of the songs on her album, nor “The Trailer Song” (nosy trailer park neighbors a social issue?) I like a songwriter’s words to come from a personal place, whether that be from deep within their own heart or something they feel strongly about regarding societal institutions (like religion), even when it’s about something that makes me uncomfortable. If you can “soften the blow” with a little bit of charm and wit when it’s necessary, even better. The thing I hate is when a songwriter tries to shove something down your throat, and in my opinion, Musgraves by no means is doing that, not even with “Follow Your Arrow.”
June 13, 2014 @ 3:59 pm
I agree Richard, but when you even dip your toes in political waters, especially with the polarized environment we live in, it is going to turn some people off. I’m not saying that’s right, but when someone says it turns them off, I understand that sentiment.
June 13, 2014 @ 7:15 pm
“Follow Your Arrow” was actually inspired by Brandy Clark.
June 26, 2014 @ 12:35 pm
No it wasn’t it was inspired by her friend Natalie who was going to Paris for a few months. She came up with the idea and went to brandy clark and Shane mcanelly to help her write it.
June 13, 2014 @ 11:10 am
What a great way to wake up. Her sweet country voice singing those biting lyrics just kills me. Reminds me of some of Loretta Lynn’s work. This probably won’t be a #1 hit or anything, but I think it’ll be enough of a hit to matter. She gives me some hope. If this becomes popular enough, maybe it’ll open the way for Ashley Monroe, Kellie Pickler, Sunny Sweeney, Brandy Clark and other deserving women. The time has come for a demand for women to be back in the spotlight.
This can’t be on itunes soon enough for me.
June 13, 2014 @ 12:14 pm
First heard this when she performed it live last summer. I had the chance to meet her after her set and she was very sweet and approachable. I’m actually going to see her again tonight opening up for Willie and Alison. As for the this song, it’s not her strongest material but it’s a good one. It should have definitely made the album along with John Prine, Undermine and Bitter End.
June 13, 2014 @ 12:30 pm
Found this gem from Kacey.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03JeFX_4PI4
From 2002
June 13, 2014 @ 12:33 pm
I HOPE she puts “The Trailer Song” and “Things to Fix” on her next album.
June 13, 2014 @ 1:11 pm
I like the song, and the instrumentation, but this isn’t much different from Toby Keith and others who write these songs full of stereotypes about rural people. The men are singing about trucks, and the women are singing about trailers. Also, why isn’t she being ripped for her appearance?
June 13, 2014 @ 2:27 pm
For one thing, this song has actual wit, which automatically elevates it above laundry list country songs. It relays a recognizable human theme, and isn’t about partying in a pasture. Also, one point Trigger and others have made about modern country songs (which I agree with) is that the problem isn’t necessarily that such songs talk about artifacts of rural life, it’s that they fail to tell any kind of interesting story in that setting. Regarding trailer parks specifically though, I recall reading somewhere that Kacey actually lived in a trailer park at some point growing up.
Most importantly though, what the heck is wrong with her appearance??
June 13, 2014 @ 3:32 pm
I think she would be better served dressed down just a little. She is very attractive and doesn’t need to flaunt her body. The rest of the band (with the Nudie Suits) are great! We want to focus on her music, not her sex appeal.
June 13, 2014 @ 6:55 pm
She has been dressing like that since the early days before she was big.
June 14, 2014 @ 12:33 am
There isn’t Nothing wrong with her appearance.
This guy just probably just likes it in the a**
June 13, 2014 @ 2:59 pm
I think she looks amazing. Because she’s wearing hot pants you mean? She’s not exactly Miley Cyrusing it up there. 😛
June 13, 2014 @ 2:24 pm
Great song and I’m looking forward to purchasing it. I got to thinking about how Kacey could get more radio time and I think one way that could get her more time is perhaps a collaboration with a well know female country artist. Maybe somebody like Reba or Dolly. It would convince some of the older fans to accept her, who may be slightly turned off on her because of the political and social commentary in her songs.
Also unrelated sidenote: Did everybody else see the boneheaded comments Niemann made to Rolling Stone Country?
June 13, 2014 @ 2:31 pm
This would not be the first time Mr. Neimann made boneheaded comments
June 13, 2014 @ 2:54 pm
Yes, but these are his worst yet. Here’s the interview: http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/jerrod-niemann-addresses-critics-talks-pitbull-collaboration-20140613
Farce the Music and Windmills Country leave perfect responses in the comments.
June 13, 2014 @ 2:59 pm
Beat me to it, Josh. And yeah, Farce the Music’s comment was PERFEEEEECT. 😀
June 13, 2014 @ 5:34 pm
Ha! He pretty much just admitted he doesn’t like his own music and only does it to get airplay. And his head’s shoved too far up his own… donkey to even realize it. What a piece of work.
June 13, 2014 @ 2:58 pm
Did everybody else see the boneheaded comments Niemann made to Rolling Stone Country?
Yes. Once again, equating spoken word with rap:
Niemann cites “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” and “Uneasy Rider,” by the Charlie Daniels Band, and Johnny Cash’s “A Boy Named Sue” and “One Piece at a Time” as now timeless songs that flipped the Nashville script by relying on the staccato spoken word over singing.
“If rap had never existed, nobody would say anything [about today’s rap-influenced country] because these songs already exist in our past and are classics. People are just looking at it in the wrong way,” he said. “The people who are getting real upset maybe just don’t know as much about country music as they think.”
Siiiiigggghhhhh.
June 14, 2014 @ 12:56 am
Wait a minute……Is that dumb sonofabitch trying to say that Country recitations were actually the first examples of c-rap? Seriously?
So, when Hank did all his Luke the Drifter stuff, he was in reality just experimenting with rap. I guess “Luke the Drifter” was his thug name. Wow! It’s all so clear to me now. I get it. Thanks Jerrod
June 13, 2014 @ 3:00 pm
This guy may be the most cynical opportunist I have ever seen. He all but admits he’s do anything for a hit.
June 13, 2014 @ 3:04 pm
Plus he seems to think that Pitbull has some sort of hardcore hip hop attitude. Please, anybody with a ‘hardcore hip hop attitude’ wouldn’t have anything to do with this pathetic jackass.
June 13, 2014 @ 4:00 pm
The Jerrod Niemann statements will be dealt with in due course.
June 13, 2014 @ 6:46 pm
I like Kacey Musgraves. I really do. So take the following with that in mind.
I would like to hear Musgraves on the radio more. I would also like to hear many more female artists on the radio more.
Musgraves, if she continues on her current path, will be a critic’s darling forever, but will never be a huge mainstream success. And that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
There are some kickass female artists out right now across all genres that aren’t getting any airplay (outside of the obvious).
Right now, I’m listening a lot to Samantha Fish, Orianthi, Nikki Lane, Maggie Rose and Houndmouth. That covers a lot of musical ground right there, and a lot of artists that don’t get the credit they deserve.
In my opinion, Musgraves is refreshing, but not great. She’ll never be more than an niche artist, and that’s not a bad thing.
June 13, 2014 @ 6:59 pm
depends if Miranda Lambert continues to put out shitty songs like “Something Bad” her fanbase might migrate over to kacey. Also Kacey made a statement a while back that she does not put together music to get it on the radio. If it does, it does but that is not her aim.
June 13, 2014 @ 8:25 pm
Watched the Kacey/Katy CMT Crossroads thing. Seemed forced. Though they genuinely seem to like each other, the performance was…..blah.
$0.02.
June 13, 2014 @ 9:00 pm
I liked the between the songs conversation.
June 14, 2014 @ 10:14 am
Is the band wearing Manuel suits? That’s awesome.
June 14, 2014 @ 9:23 pm
Is that Daniel Romano playing bass?
June 15, 2014 @ 5:11 am
Haven’t really been on the KCM bandwagon but I really enjoyed the video. Good old school type of song and she looks great and carries herself very well. Might have to break down and buy the album to support.
June 15, 2014 @ 6:14 am
I long for the days when Jamey Johnson, Sturgill Simpson, Spencer Corbett and Kacey Musgraves are sitting around a poker table laughing, drinking and counting their money.
June 16, 2014 @ 6:16 am
I posted above about how I’ve met Kacey before and she seemed very nice. Friday night was a different story ”“ Kacey was rude to me and 2 other fans. It was quite disappointing. I understand that she has no obligation to wave or say hello to fans, but when there’s 3 isolated fans 10 feet away from you, it would be nice to acknowledge them with at least smile.
I will continue listening to her music, but she won’t be getting anymore of my money.
June 18, 2014 @ 2:33 pm
Maybe she was having a bad day? She’s only human. All I can say is that she was a sweetheart when I met her. Obviously a bit shy, but not rude by any means.
June 18, 2014 @ 2:49 pm
I understand that she is human and she has no obligation to even acknowledge her fans, but I found it to be very disheartening. I’m sure she creates music because she loves doing so, but it’s the fans that keep her in the spotlight and give her the opportunity to make a living off a doing what she loves. The least she could have done was wave or even just smile.
June 16, 2014 @ 6:41 am
Eat your heart out Miranda
June 16, 2014 @ 10:38 am
I like Kacey Musgraves as a songwriter, but I think she’s a terrible performer. She has no energy at all, and despite having a pleasant voice, her songs all sound the same when she sings them. If she really is the best hope for traditional country music today, then we’re doomed.
September 5, 2014 @ 3:27 pm
So WHERE can I get The Trailer Song on cd????
September 5, 2014 @ 3:28 pm
From what I understand, you can’t. It is just a digital release. I’m sure at some point it will show up in physical form, but it isn’t available at the moment.