Shellee Coley’s Broken Kiss Unveils The Land In Between
Romantic films have an ending we all expect. There’s pouring rain, an emotionally torn woman, and an eager, love sick man patiently waiting outside. Just as the handsome man walks away, the woman runs into the rain and says the words we’ve all been waiting for. As soon as she yells, “I love you”, the man pulls her close to him for a passionate kiss. If Hollywood had it’s way, everyone would believe that life begins and ends with a romantic embrace. But Shellee Coley’s conflicted love letter, “Broken Kiss”, explores the land in between.
The somber “Broken Kiss” lies at the intersection of country, folk, and blues, but its introspective lyrics are the focal point. The Texas based artist is a songwriter first, and it certainly shows. Shellee begins with what she can no longer have. ”I don’t wanna love you like this / I don’t wanna taste this broken kiss anymore” Her tender, heartfelt singing reflects an inner struggle. Shellee is fighting for love while trying to let go of what could have been. You would imagine a succinct ending, but “Broken Kiss” is too authentic for that. Instead, Shellee leaves the song open. “Maybe I still love you / I love you…” ”Broken Kiss” is the point in time right before emotions turn into actions. It’s a place of indecision that affects us all.
“Broken Kiss” is not unlike my own story. Love was on the far horizon growing up in a religious household without a father. I had theoretical knowledge, but few examples of romantic love. This changed when I met a man who defied my greatest fears. Effortlessly, he drew out a confident woman once hidden by insecurity. The infatuation was consuming and my understanding of him was indescribable. But I was in love with God while he was creating his own. How do you say goodbye to something that isn’t quite love? It wasn’t immediate and it certainly wasn’t painless. I walked away and moved on, but “Broken Kiss” reveals the emotional residue that is difficult to ignore.
It takes a strong woman to accept the vulnerable state of her heart. With Shellee Coley’s latest album, Where It Began, it’s evident that she is that woman.
To hear an audio clip of Shellee’s story behind the song and to stream it, visit her website by clicking here.
My “Broken Kiss” review was the last stop on Shellee Coley’s Blog Tour for her Feb 28th album, Where It Began. Catch up on the “past tour dates” that discuss each song on her latest project.
