Country star Kacey Musgraves surprised fans at the new Nashville venue, The Pinnacle, with the premiere of a heartwarming and humorous track titled “She’s My Bitch.” This ode, performed mid-set, isn’t about heartbreak or revenge, but rather a celebration of Musgraves’ Australian cattle dog, Pepper, known for her spirited personality.
Musgraves playfully described Pepper in song, singing, “She’s black and white, all ride or die/More bark than bite/She’s my bitch.” The lyrics continued to express deep affection: “The star of the pack, no one’s talking smack/Yeah, she’s got my back/She’s my bitch … Who would’ve known when I took her home/That I’d fall so in love/Yeah, I’m her bitch.” The repeated phrase “she’s my bitch,” while attention-grabbing, is clearly used as a term of endearment, reclaiming the potentially negative connotation of “bitch” into something positive and affectionate within the context of pet ownership.
Pepper isn’t just a muse; she’s also been a hero. Musgraves recounted an Instagram story from last year about Pepper’s brave encounter with a copperhead snake. The dog, in her protective nature, alerted Musgraves to the venomous snake on her back porch, potentially saving her from a dangerous bite. Pepper received veterinary care after the incident but thankfully recovered fully, further solidifying her status as not just a pet, but a cherished member of Musgraves’ life.
The Nashville performance showcased the breadth of Musgraves’ discography. Following the debut of her “Bitch Song,” she moved through fan favorites like “Merry Go ‘Round,” “The Architect,” and “Jade Green.” The set concluded with a string of hits including “Rainbow,” “Slow Burn,” “Space Cowboy,” “High Horse,” and tracks from her latest album, Deeper Well, alongside a rare full performance of “Easier Said.”
This concert marked Musgraves’ return to the stage after concluding her Deeper Well tour in December. Deeper Well, her latest album released after 2021’s Star-Crossed, reflects on themes of change and rediscovery. As Musgraves described the album, “Sometimes, you reach a crossroads. Winds change direction. What you once felt drawn to doesn’t hold the same allure… You get blown off course but eventually find your footing and forage for new inspiration, new insight, and deeper love somewhere else.” It’s clear that for Kacey Musgraves, that “deeper love” extends to her loyal companion, Pepper, inspiring her to write and share a song as personal and playful as “She’s My Bitch.”
