Michelle Lockey’s latest single “Who Hears the Broken” is an acoustic folk song which also fits into themes such as childhood, strength, and strengthening to be empowered against one’s oppressors. This is a rather descriptive song that shares the author’s vulnerability thus providing listeners with a firsthand look at being ignored by society.
‘Who Hears the Broken’ starts with a complex acoustic guitar riff that builds a whole atmosphere around Lockey’s philosophical lyrics and strong vocal. The slow pulsating nature and basic instrumental sound used in the song’s composition further complement the very naturalistic style of the song, along with Lockey’s very heavy and powerful soulful vocal. Her honest and revealing texts present a honest vision of a misunderstood and injured child; she speaks about bullying and low self-esteem.
During the course of the song, the dynamics increase gradually due to the use of guitars while the vocal backgrounds create a choral appeal. However, being a song about past wounds, “Who Hears the Broken” turns into the song about healing and a power of a person in a end. The lyrical genius of Lockey is seen in her lyrics that are raw and realistic and therefore offer solace to those who may be grappling with their struggles.
This song carries a life experience message that examines the life of an otherwise happy and confident girl who gets exposed to life’s challenges at a tender age. Due to the choice of the sound and genuine vocal, feelings of the song and its story can be felt and understood by the listener.
In its simplest form, “Who Hears the Broken” can be understood as a reflection on the endurance required to subdue life’s adversities as well as resistance against cultural identity erasure. Michelle Lockey’s talent to deliver profound feelings, which are familiar to the majority of people, in her songs contributes to this song being highly empathizing and appealing. This acoustic folk track is not only a representation of Luna’s abilities but a beacon of hope for anyone who might be considering themselves broken at this point of their life.
