Brandy Clark. The name itself conjures up images of smoky bars, heartfelt lyrics, and a raw authenticity that’s become synonymous with the best of modern country music. For aficionados of the genre and those just discovering its nuanced corners, exploring the discography of Brandy Clark is akin to uncovering hidden gems. And within her rich catalog, the song “Hold My Hand” from her debut album 12 Stories stands out, not just as a beautifully crafted country ballad, but as a poignant exploration of queer vulnerability.
You might have already encountered “Hold My Hand,” perhaps even the duet version featuring Dwight Yoakam. But beyond the surface of a classic country heartbreak song lies a deeper narrative, one that resonates profoundly within the sapphic experience. Let’s delve into the heart of this track, unpacking why “Hold My Hand” is more than just a Song Brandy Clark wrote; it’s an anthem of unspoken desires and queer longing.
The premise is simple yet universally relatable: the narrator and her partner encounter an ex at a social gathering. The entire song orbits around that charged moment, a silent plea for reassurance as old feelings resurface in the presence of a past love. Through a heteronormative lens, it’s easily categorized as another sad country tune, albeit elevated by Clark’s signature songwriting and Yoakam’s iconic voice in the duet. However, to reduce it to this interpretation is to miss the rich subtext woven into the lyrics.
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Brandy Clark’s identity as a lesbian isn’t merely a biographical detail; it informs the emotional landscape of her songwriting. While not every song penned by a queer artist is inherently a “queer song,” “Hold My Hand” vibrates with a distinct sapphic energy. Firstly, the lyrics intentionally avoid gendering the current partner. The ambiguity is striking. The only subtle hint towards a feminine object of desire is the line, “she could steal most any woman’s man.” This line, far from being a throwaway, subtly acknowledges a woman’s captivating power over others, a sentiment that often resonates deeply within sapphic attraction.
Secondly, the sheer intensity of admiration directed towards the ex-lover transcends typical straight song tropes. The description is not just appreciative; it’s imbued with a palpable sense of awe and attraction. It’s reminiscent of the heightened awareness of feminine beauty that often characterizes sapphic desire, echoing the intensity found in songs like “Jolene,” but amplified:
Raven is the color of her long curly hair
Red is the dress that she knows how to wear
Bluest eyes I’ve ever seen
Maybe just a touch of green
This isn’t just noticing someone is attractive; it’s an almost breathless cataloging of captivating beauty, a detail-oriented appreciation that feels distinctly charged.
Released in 2013, 12 Stories emerged during the height of “bro country’s” dominance. Radio waves were saturated with the sounds of Florida Georgia Line and Luke Bryan. The mainstream country music scene, frankly, wasn’t ready for the unvarnished honesty and queer perspectives that Brandy Clark brought to the table. Yet, undeterred, she gifted us with this vulnerable and potent ballad.
The emotional core of “Hold My Hand” finds a visual parallel in a scene from Happiest Season, the groundbreaking “lesbian Christmas movie” for which Clark also contributed songwriting. The scene where Kristin Stewart’s character encounters her girlfriend’s ex, played by Aubrey Plaza, perfectly encapsulates the song’s essence.
Aubrey Plaza’s character in “Happiest Season” exudes a captivating presence, mirroring the alluring ex-lover described in Brandy Clark’s song.
Stewart’s character’s subtle struggle in that moment, grappling with Plaza’s magnetic beauty and undeniable femininity, mirrors the vulnerability at the heart of “Hold My Hand.” It’s a struggle understood deeply by those who recognize the unique pull of feminine allure. This isn’t about jealousy in a conventional sense; it’s about a fleeting insecurity sparked by the undeniable beauty of another woman, and the quiet need for reassurance from your own partner.
This is the very essence of the song brandy delivers. It’s a recognition of another woman’s captivating presence, but unlike the plea in “Jolene” to stay away from her man, the narrator in “Hold My Hand” simply desires connection and reassurance from her own partner. She isn’t demanding anything from the ex; she’s turning inward, seeking validation within her current relationship:
Let her know for sure
That I’m more than just a soft place to land
This would be a real good time
To hold my hand.
“Hold My Hand” transcends the typical country heartbreak narrative. It’s a subtle yet powerful exploration of sapphic vulnerability, a song that understands the nuanced dynamics of queer relationships and the unspoken anxieties that can surface in the face of past loves. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most profound expression of love and reassurance is simply a hand held in solidarity. Brandy Clark, through this song, offers not just a beautiful melody, but a resonant touchstone for the queer experience within the wider landscape of country music.
Queer Country Rewind is a bi-weekly exploration that revisits iconic queer country songs, offering fresh perspectives with each installment.
