Kelsea Ballerini "WHAT I HAVE" Song Review

Kelsea Ballerini introduced her latest release on social media by stating, "This song was written somewhere in between reflection and eagerness. Although ever changing, I'm happy with what I have."

So far, Ballerini's build-up to her new record SUBJECT TO CHANGE has featured upbeat anthems like the bouncy lead single "HEARTFIRST" and the '90s pop-country inspired "THE LITTLE THINGS." And although "LOVE IS A COWBOY" leans into the slower side, it still swings with a lifting breeze. The new era takes a slight detour with "WHAT I HAVE" as Ballerini trades in electric guitars and high-energy drumbeats for a sole acoustic guitar.

The track first debuted during a performance at the Grand Ole Opry; while performing, Ballerini took off her shoes in a symbolic manner, fully displaying the meaning of the song. The simple instrumental pulls attention to the substance contained in Ballerini's natural, yet poetic songwriting as the first verse opens with lines, "My neighbor's grass is the hit of the street / But that don't mean mine ain't just as green / I've been comparing shiny new toys / It's just the root of the thief of my joy."

With today's modern society revolving around social media, a constant comparison game seems to always be at the forefront. A grounding notion is consistently needed and that's exactly what Ballerini presents to her audience in this sweet tune. The intimacy captured in the minimalistic production also heightens the message Ballerini is trying to convey.

The second half of the second chorus contains the sweetest lines that sum up not only the track itself but the place where Ballerini finds herself in this stage of life. She smoothly croons, "I got a jeep, I got a dog / I got what they call a dream job / Plenty to want, nothing wrong with that / But I'm happy with what I have."

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