Waxahatchee releases “Can’t Do Much,” a love song with a dose of reality

Former Philadelphia resident Katie Crutchfield, who records as Waxahatchee, has released a third single, “Can’t Do Much,” from her upcoming album Saint Cloud. Leaning into her Southern roots, Crutchfield here invokes folk-rock with twangy electric guitar and her oaky voice. Upon first listen a very endearing love song, examination of the lyrics shows the sentiment may be bittersweet, Crutchfield singing, “Do you think that you are reading my mind? / My uneasiness materialized / I’m waiting, all the time / Sanity, nullified.”

Crutchifeld writes in a press release, “It’s meant to be an extremely unsentimental love song, a love song with a strong dose of reality. It was written early on in a relationship, where the feelings were super intense, but also fear or apprehension were sort of keeping me from totally relaxing in it yet.”

The song follows more closely with previous single “Lilacs,” both charming, circular tunes that feel almost ageless, distinct from the more beat-driven lead single “Fire.” All, however, explore dependency in relationships and show Crutchfield’s ability to craft a perfect metaphor.

The song is accompanied by a video, which shows Crutchfield and her band recording in a 70s-reminiscent studio set-up. Waxahatchee is currently scheduled to play April 14th at Union Transfer, but due to concerns over the coronavirus is marked as postponed according to the same press release, with new dates to be announced for later in the year.