Krystal King, originally from Hickory, NC, has a fresh take on a true country sound, combining raw and emotionally laced vocals with vivid, imagery infused songwriting.
Krystal is the “next door redneck” who is down to earth with a genuine, honest and quirky personality; one that naturally shines through her songs.
"Your next door red neck with storytelling songs that will make you laugh" - Kirstie Kraus
Krystal’s previous releases include “Red Wine & White Lies” (which has amassed over 15k streams on Spotify), and House Fire.
The song starts with an undeniable Country twang with a shuffling drum beat and a positive disposition.
“Nancy asked me why I done tore up my tulip bed
Barbara had some things to say bout that spade outside my shed
The HOA’s been on my back about the state of my lawn
And Up and down the block they’re askin’ where my husband’s gone.”
The opening verse very much replicates life and how others have an interest in it. Why should it matter you’ve made changes? Real people, real friends understand that change happens, and sometimes new avenues need to be explored. The verse also has a sinister twist to it, with reference to a spade, and “askin’ where my husband’s gone.” Leading the listener to ponder whether murder has been committed. Yet the verse also could be metaphorical with the garden representing appearance, much like we’re quizzed why we wear certain outfits or had a particular hairstyle; with the reference to the husband’s absence possibly being the reason.
“What I do is up to me if it’s on private property.”
The pre chorus depicts a strong response to those judging and asking why the change. This demonstrates a focus of self (private property), and an awareness of boundaries.
“So Paint your picket fence stay on your own side.
Don’t dig up secrets when you could let em lie.
I got blood on my hands and dirt to my name
Hell I just might be diggin a grave but it ain’t for you to say
Bit your tongue if you were smart you’d learn to mind your own backyard.”
The chorus is essentially reminding us to focus on ourselves, portraying us as picket fencing, and needing to stay on the right side of who we are. I also find the lyric “Don’t dig up secrets when you could let em lie” a most intriguing one, in so much as it’s metaphorically saying don’t go searching for trouble. Reference to the “blood on my hands and dirt to my name” could be suggesting how hard we work (be that on ourselves or in our occupations) and not feeling valued and appreciated for it. Of course, there is the literal sense to this lyric with its sinister meaning.
“It’s been a week since I woke up with a new black eye
I found him a punishment, that sure fit his crime
So if you really wanna know why my grass is this green
It’s because of the piece of shit thats buried underneath.
PC: It’s an open secret and that’s how I’d like to keep it
Clearly referencing a fight, or some form of domestic incident involving violence resulting in a black eye, the lyrics demonstrate how we need to surround ourselves with people who see and value our worth. Nobody should have to suffer violence or abuse of any form, and whilst judicial systems may vary, it’s best to entrust your faith in it to uphold peace and justice. The green grass could be a metaphor for when people carry smiles yet aren’t truly happy and have so much buried behind the smile.
The song returns to the chorus once more referencing picket fence, perhaps reminding us of the boundaries we need to hold and respect.
“Cause if you don’t you might end up in my own.”
Whilst this could be deemed threatening, it could also be suggested that they might end up in their own secret.
The song then breaks into a whistling solo, a refreshing sound in the song providing a light hearted feeling; before breaking into the chorus once again.
‘Mind Your Own Backyard’ was released on 12th July and is available from all of your usual streaming platforms.
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