Daphne Browdy’s “Dollar Store” tackles the defensive habits and mindsets that stem from an unstable homelife in the past. It's a song that unlocks empathy in those who don't share the singer's experience, and tells those who do that they are not alone. The singer represents the emotions and thoughts that last past the period of instability, reaching into her personal experiences of homelessness and living in a low-income household. With honest expressions of jealousy as the speaker looks at the lives of others, listeners are shown the complexity of a situation where basic physiological needs are not being met. The lyrics reveal how isolating this situation is, when you feel so different from the people around you, as the song says “I don’t think I’m like my friends, they get to sleep in a bed”. The chorus demonstrates the constant and ongoing attitude the singer had to adapt to protect herself, saying “I’m still everywhere I’ve been before”. Experiences stick with us, and this song importantly brings attention to how financial insecurity can bring lasting trauma.
Slow guitar and beautiful high vocals bring a vulnerability into this immersive sound experience. Devastation, revelation, and introspection come through Daphne’s voice. Beautifully high and breathy messages in the chorus sound almost exhausted with the tendencies the lyrics talk about, while full and confessional vocals work through the verse. The bridge sounds lost, layering the solid vocals of the verse with the high, somber, dreamy vocals in the chorus, spinning listeners through an interlude of questioning and confusion. Every part of the vocals and instrumentals convey the depth of the song, allowing listeners to feel a bit of the trauma and pain that is represented through the music.
Daphne Browdy is a Nashville-based singer and songwriter with a folk-pop style. Her songs explore emotional highs and lows, creating a safe and relatable space for listeners to feel through music. The musician rises from her experiences, aiming to advocate for marginalized people through her music. The artist has been releasing music since 2022, including multiple singles and an EP. With soft and moving vocals, impassioned storytelling, and a comforting folk style, Daphne’s songs are perfect for listeners who seek a deeper meaning from their music. Check out the links below to learn more about Daphne.
Written By Hanna Kowal
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