No breakup is easy, but our first leaves a permanent mark. Virtually all of us can remember where – and WHO – we were the moment our heart was broken for the first time. In his latest single, “19 & Cryin,” Hayden Joseph painfully details the lasting impact of losing our first love.
The song’s first verse sets the scene for the roller coast of emotions to follow. The singer’s heart was broken years ago, and he’s been fighting to recover the innocent outlook he once had on relationships, ever since. An unexpected run-in with his first love then sends him reeling back to the moment his heart was shattered for the first time. “Last night when / you walked in / I went back to 19 again.” Instantly, he figuratively becomes the devastated teenager he was the last time he laid eyes on this individual.
Hayden explains through the song’s haunting chorus that he has never fully recovered from the way his first relationship ended. He’s matured and learned from the experience, but a part of him will always be saddened by it. “I’ve grown up / I’ve moved on / I’ve been telling myself for so long / But the truth is I’ve been lyin’ / Part of me is 19 and Cryin.”
Joseph highlights both his vocal ability and songwriting prowess in what is arguably the strongest release of his career. A combination of intimate acoustic guitar riffs and heavy electric strums further heighten the emotional nature of the track. Listeners will empathize with the familiar whirlwind of emotions brought on by this series of events: Panic, confusion, pretension, and the bittersweet feelings that linger after the encounter. The listener hurts both for him, and quite likely for themselves, by the songs final refrain.
“19 & Cryin” can be heard on all platforms, and is available in both its original Country mix, as well as an alternate Pop remix. It follows a series of singles from Hayden released throughout 2020, leading up to his debut LP this fall. We can only hope the remaining tracks are as diverse, honest, and captivating as his releases to date.
A South Carolina native, Hayden Joseph is no stranger to the Country Music scene. His love for the genre started as soon as he could talk and has continued to blossom throughout his adult life. Inspired by the genre-bending melodies and lyrical depth of Taylor Swift, Garth Brooks, and Shania Twain, Hayden blends the sounds of Modern Country and Mainstream Pop music. For the better part of the last year, Hayden has captivated audiences with his southern charm, relatable lyrics, and distinct sound.
Hayden prides himself in the inclusivity of his writing, as an openly gay male pursuing a country music career. “When I write songs, they originate from experiences that are largely specific to personal trials, but I challenge myself to write them in ways that can be applied to many walks of life.” He strives to continue breaking industry barriers, both in terms of the music he makes, and the places from which he finds inspiration. “It’s high time we started getting adequate LGBT representation in mainstream Country Music.”
Hayden’s Debut Single, “Different,” was released in October 2019. His anticipated LP is due Fall 2020.