Lucy Dacus Has Mixed Feelings About America in New Track “Forever Half Mast”

Indie singer-songwriter Lucy Dacus’ commitment to holiday odes resumes with “Forever Half Mast,” an Americana slowie dedicated to Independence Day with a decidedly mixed view of modern patriotism.

Dacus explains the inspiration behind the steel guitar-led track:

There is a daily dissonance one endures as an American wherein much of our joy is counterweighted by shame, where much of our pride lives in tandem with injustice and suffering. “Forever Half Mast” is about confronting this unavoidable culpability as an American citizen and consumer. Instead of allowing this guilt to paralyze us, we should try to let it influence us in positive ways.

“Forever Half Mast” is the third song from Dacus’ holiday-themed song series, to be collected as an EP titled 2019. Previously released tracks include “La Vie en Rose” for Valentine’s Day and a double-duty track dedicated to both Mother’s Day and Taurus season, “My Mother & I.” Yet to come are songs for Bruce Springsteen’s birthday, Halloween, Christmas and New Year’s. Dacus clearly has all the big dates covered.

Dacus continues to tour through November. Listen to “Forever Half Mast” below and revisit Dacus’ 2016 Daytrotter Session further down. Be sure to check out our recent interview with Dacus, too.