Paul Kelly Unveils New Song: ‘The Body Keeps the Score’

Paul Kelly’s New Single from Upcoming Album

Fresh off a remarkable sold-out tour in Australia and New Zealand, Paul Kelly has unveiled the second single from his forthcoming album *SEVENTY*.

Exploring Trauma Through Music

“The Body Keeps the Score” highlights why Kelly is cherished as one of Australia’s finest musical storytellers. The song resonates with themes from Bessel van der Kolk’s influential book, examining how complex trauma embeds itself in our bodies and emerges unexpectedly, affecting not just the individual but their loved ones too.

Reflecting on personal experience, Kelly shares, “Years back, during a road trip from Mullumbimby to Melbourne, I listened to the audiobook of ‘The Body Keeps The Score.’ It delves into the profound implications of trauma—how it lies dormant, only to surface and inflict harm both on the trauma survivor and those who care about them. I kept the title in mind until, last year at Bill Miller’s place, I was jamming with a tune and the lyrics began to flow.”

A Collaborative Creation

This track was co-written with the talented Bill Miller, who brings his own vocal harmonies and EBow to the piece.

The single provides a glimpse into *SEVENTY*, set to be released on November 7th.

A Diverse Musical Journey

This album will feature a blend of ghost stories, literary interpretations like “Sailing to Byzantium,” heartfelt tributes to family in “Happy Birthday, Ada Mae,” and nostalgic reflections on friendships and desire, along with evocative imagery such as “breathing in apples on the morning breeze.”

Additionally, the album includes a much-anticipated track, “Rita Wrote a Letter,” which continues the narrative of his 1996 classic “How to Make Gravy,” a story fans have awaited for nearly thirty years.

Upcoming Performances

The release of this single coincides with the announcement of Kelly as a headliner for the Red Hot Summer 2026 tour, alongside Missy Higgins, The Cruel Sea, The Cat Empire, Kasey Chambers, and Jess Hitchcock. This outdoor festival series promises to be one of the summer’s most sought-after events.

Kelly states, “The band and I have many great memories from our last Red Hot Summer tour. We’re excited to create new ones!”

A Legacy of Musical Exploration

From the vibrant streets of St Kilda to the rich tapestry of human experiences, Kelly’s four-decade journey has woven a diverse songbook, ranging from bluegrass to experimental dub. His works have become integral to Australia’s cultural landscape, marked by his collaborations with Indigenous artists like Kev Carmody, Archie Roach, and Yothu Yindi, advocating for justice and recognition.

*Paul Kelly’s “The Body Keeps the Score” is available now.*

What are your thoughts on the themes of trauma and healing expressed through music?