Kristen Rae Bowden's new folk-tinged single “Marry Me Once” is a silky ballad of self-acceptance and personal independence. Over the majestic tones of a grand piano she sings to us with vulnerable defiance: “You’re not gonna marry me once / just to say it’s forever / that’s not how forever happens to be.” “Marry Me Once” was inspired by an ironic turn of the tides.
Kristen explains, “In my early 20's I thought I wanted to get married. For love, I thought. In reality, it was because I was afraid of the unknown. I wanted something to be 'all figured out'. Back then, thankfully, no one asked. I grew up and learned to love myself, me alone. Suddenly men wanted to seal the deal with me on paper. But I no longer wish to figure out my forever, today. I want to freely choose and be chosen, and that must happen every day, maybe every hour, whether you marry your lover or not.”
Sonically “Marry Me Once” shines with warm, earthy authenticity, evoking mental images of fresh air and rolling waves. The lively vocal melody, layered velvet harmonies, and smooth guitar will draw you into an intimate natural world, where Kristen’s confessional lyrics may remind you: know thyself.
There is only one person you have to live with forever, and that person is you.
