Justin Hiltner and Jon Weisberger are leaning into the darker corners of bluegrass songwriting with “I Could Cry,” the second single from their upcoming album.
The song began with what Hiltner described as an examination of his experience with treatment-resistant depression. Working with Weisberger, the idea evolved into something that still carries plenty of gloom but stops just short of despair.
“This song began as an examination of my journey with treatment resistant depression and, with Jon’s help, it became something so much more,” Hiltner said. “And that doesn’t feel wallowing or trite.”
Weisberger said the pair ended up moving the lyric in a slightly more optimistic direction than originally planned. The chorus lands on “maybe I’ll just stay,” which he described as less than hope but still enough resignation to keep going.
The title also gives the duo a little room for self-deprecation. “I Could Cry” followed their earlier composition “I Couldn’t Cry.”
“I like to think this characterizes our emotional range as songwriters!” Weisberger said.
The track pairs that emotional tension with a laid-back bluegrass arrangement performed by what Weisberger called a “dream ensemble” of studio musicians.
“I Could Cry” is available now through Mountain Home Music Company.