Rén with the Mane is a "Fool For You" on folk-influenced toxic relationship tune
On previous single "Burnin", Rén with the Mane (aka Renée Orshan) showcased some of 2019's best indie-pop: a sultry slowburn that was more than a little bit sexy. Follow-up "Fool For You" shows a different side to a relationship, once some of that lust has been scorched out.
"Initially I wrote this song about a friend's experience," Orshan explains of the new track. "She kept going back to this man after he burned her one too many times, and as a wise man once said, you can't polish a turd."
Orshan's songwriting leans more folk on this release than ever before, building a soundscape that's more tender and hesitant than previous releases. Ethereal layers of vocals drift over snatches of birdsong, whilst steady piano chords and purposeful drums keep "Fool For You" driving forwards into what Orshan calls a "classic toxic relationship tune". It's punchy without being overwhelming; a perfect vehicle for a story that will be familiar to most women on the dating scene.
"In New York it seems everyone's falling in love and getting their hearts broken on a monthly basis," Orshan laughs. "It's a vicious cycle, but it makes for good songwriting inspiration at the mercy of my friends' juicy heartbreak! The take away from it all is at the end of the day you've got to love yourself... some good girlfriends and good wine can help too.
"I wanted the outro of the song – 'dig yourself deeper and deeper' – to take on another meaning," she adds, exploring the track's lyrics in more detail. "The obvious translation would be me referring to this guy digging himself into a hole with his lies, but really I'm saying DIG YOURSELF – LOVE YOURSELF! Ditch this toxicity and know your self worth."
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