The Beths Release Heartfelt New Track ‘Mother, Pray For Me’
## A Deep Dive into “Mother, Pray For Me”
Following the intense exploration in last month’s single “No Joy,” The Beths have unveiled their most emotionally heartfelt release to date.
### An Intimate Ballad
“Mother, Pray For Me” is a raw and personal ballad that features poignant finger-picked guitar melodies. The vocal performance feels less like a staged act and more akin to an honest confession.
Vocalist Elizabeth Stokes shares, “It’s not really about my mother; it’s more about me—my hopes for our relationship, my perceptions of it, and what I can realistically expect.” She admits, “I cried the whole time writing it.”
### A Journey of Reflection
While the track may appear to be a simple plea for connection, it delves deeper into themes of self-examination, family dynamics, and spirituality. Stokes elaborates on her background: “My mother is a first-gen Indonesian immigrant and deeply Catholic. I was born in Jakarta but moved to Auckland when I was four. This song captures my attempt to understand my relationship with my mum and her ties to her faith and her own mother. Writing it was quite challenging.”
### Crafting the Final Sound
The creative process underwent significant changes, shifting from a full band arrangement to a minimalist approach with just Stokes and a guitar, enhanced by a touch of organ. “In the end, it felt clearest with just me and the guitar,” she reflects.
In an effort to break through her creative block, Stokes and guitarist/producer Jonathan Pearce revamped their routine. Drawing inspiration from writers like Stephen King, she began morning sessions of stream-of-consciousness writing on a Remington typewriter. “Writing extensively pushed me to confront my past—memories I usually avoid or fear revisiting,” Stokes explains.
### Embracing Emotional Complexity
The result of this creative journey is an album that tackles emotional intricacies and the often-messy healing process. “Linear progression is an illusion,” Stokes asserts. “Life is truly about maintenance, but you can uncover meaning in that maintenance.”
With their album *Straight Line Was a Lie*, The Beths—comprising Stokes, Pearce, bassist Benjamin Sinclair, and drummer Tristan Deck—deliver their most introspective work yet. This album launches alongside a tour across the UK, Europe, and North America, featuring headlining shows at notable venues like The Fillmore in San Francisco and Union Transfer in Philadelphia.
*“Mother, Pray For Me” is available now, and *Straight Line Was a Lie* will be released on August 29th via ANTI-. Are you excited to explore The Beths’ latest musical journey?*
