Released: 2024
Features: Julia Michaels
Maren Morris and Julia Michaels team up in “cut!” to pull back the curtain on the facade of perfection. The song delves into the stark difference between the image one presents to the world and the raw, unfiltered reality of emotional struggles. Through their lyrics, they paint a vivid picture of someone who appears to have it all together but breaks down the moment they’re alone.
The song kicks off with a portrayal of an ideal life: “clear skin from all the sleep, clear mind from therapy”, and a dedication to yoga and punctuality. It’s a checklist of wellness and self-care that many strive for, questioning “How does she do it?” Yet, this shimmering exterior belies the truth of internal battles, revealed in the chorus: “I’m such a pro, put a hell of a show on… I’m screaming, ‘Cut!'” Here, Morris metaphorically uses the language of filmmaking, where “Cut!” is shouted at the end of a scene, signifying the dual lives led: one for the camera and the real, unedited version behind closed doors.
The verses explore the contrast between the outward appearance of coping well and the inward reality of not being okay. Morris and Michaels challenge the stigma of needing to appear strong and unbreakable all the time. Phrases like “Don’t cancel any plans, I’m present with every friend” and “I still trust every man” showcase the effort to maintain normalcy and trust in relationships despite internal conflicts. The line “‘Til the silence at night calls my bluff” poignantly captures the moment of solitude where pretense fades and vulnerability takes over.
The bridge—“Cry my eyes out, I give myself permission”—is a powerful call to recognize the need for emotional release. It emphasizes that taking a break, an “intermission,” from the constant performance of life, is not only necessary but healthy. It reinforces the message that it’s okay to not be okay and that acknowledging and expressing one’s emotions is a critical step towards true wellness.
In “cut!”, Maren Morris and Julia Michaels deliver a raw and relatable anthem about the pressures to maintain a facade of having everything under control, while also highlighting the importance of authenticity and emotional honesty. Through their poignant lyrics, they invite listeners to embrace their vulnerabilities, suggesting that perhaps the most genuine form of strength lies in allowing oneself to feel.
