As Father’s Day approaches, KIRBY has the perfect gift for her dad. Today (June 13), the prolific singer-songwriter returned from her hiatus with a soul-stirring new record.
On “The Man,” which is co-produced by Homer Steinweiss and Thomas Brenneck, KIBRY honors the tenacity of her father. Despite the oppressive structures, systems, and figures determined to derail him, he, like many others, persevered.
“There ain’t no situation where a man’s occupation should feel like he works for free / But in our generation, rich & famous steal the bottom line / Well I can’t stand the man,” sings KIRBY.
Between Steinweiss and Brenneck’s grounded and firm production choices, paired with KIRBY’s boldly brash vocal prowess, “The Man” is the gritty resistance track needed in these times.
In a statement shared with ENVERT, Kirby spoke about her vision for the track while hinting at a new album.
“‘The Man’ is a song dedicated to my father,” she said. “At 71 years old, I don’t know a more hard-working man, but his latter years have taught me that the American Dream is not earned by the hours you put in. And that in today’s time, an old man’s social security can make him feel many things, but rarely financially secure.”
She continued: “We’ve built our country on the backs of people who are overlooked and underpaid. Teachers, custodians, truck drivers, delivery drivers, farmers & sharecroppers, but where is their praise? Where is the anthem for the people who barely get enough sleep to ‘American Dream’ but, knowing what is required, get up and get the job done anyway?”
“I hope this song finds its way to their playlist. And though the hook offers no resolve, maybe the raw truth of a sung frustration makes them feel seen,” she added. “And like a 15-minute break on a grueling 12-hour shift, it lends them a sweet, but brief relief.”
She closed: “The rat race is rigged, and on those days when it all gets to be too much, I point the finger at the proverbial Uncle Sam, and mumble under my breath, ‘I can’t stand THE MAN!'”
Watch KIRBY’s official visual for “The Man” directed by below.
