Abuse is as heavy a topic as it is nuanced. Familial, romantic, physical, emotional, the root of many traumas and destructive coping habits, and a frequent companion of uneven power dynamics; abuse is truly a villain of many faces.
A key tool in combating such a villain is self-awareness, and Nova Scotia R&B artist Wren Kelly has self-awareness to spare with her brand new single “Wounds.” Partnering with Toronto-based rapper Ray Reaves, the duo has crafted a subversive, sharp, and ultimately inspirational tune about the toxicity between two romantic partners.
“I wanted to write this song in hopes that those who are stuck in the cycle of their own toxicity can see their behaviour for what it truly is,” says Kelly. “It’s for those whose insecurities cause them to act out to receive confirmation that their preconceived ideas of self-worth (or lack thereof) are accurate.”
A tune for abusers and the abused alike, Kelly takes on the persona of an emotionally unstable partner right out of the gate, wasting no time in setting up the all-too-familiar dynamic of an abused partner looking to find comfort and recovery in the form of their abuser; “Don’t you want me to kiss the wounds that I created?”
She goes on to force this persona to stare at the mirror dead in the eye, desperate to gain a handle on this destructive behaviour and coming to grips with the damage she’s causing. Reaves soon steps into the track, taking on the persona of the abused partner, and ultimately chooses to walk away from the relationship, having unravelled the unfortunate reality themselves.
Musically, the tune is carried by a melancholic key melody, acting as a sort of condemning elegy for the ego, while sharp synths spring up in and around the chorus, sonically imitating the wounds that the abuser has created. Rarely do instrumentals complement the subject matter as well as “Wounds” does.
“It took me a long time to realize that my well-being was my own responsibility,” says Kelly. “I hope that this song helps others recognize this and move past these difficult relationships.”