Kelsea Ballerini is making a significant return to the music scene, inspired by her boyfriend, Chase Stokes. The couple, who first sparked dating rumours in early 2023, have taken their relationship to the next level with Stokes starring in Ballerini’s latest music video for ‘First Rodeo’. The video, which premiered recently, precedes the highly anticipated release of her new album, ‘Patterns’, set to drop soon.
The emotionally charged video opens with Ballerini lying on the sand in a delicate pale pink satin dress. As she gazes out at the water, she begins to sing the first verse of the song, which reflects her journey of rediscovering love after heartbreak.
“Listen, there’s a reality that an inner monologue post public breakup is, ‘I feel washed up on the heart front. I feel like I don’t know how to do this anymore,’” Ballerini shared. This statement resonates with many who have experienced similar feelings of uncertainty in love.
Her candid reflection stems from her divorce from ex-husband Morgan Evans, which came after nearly five years of marriage. Ballerini emphasises that despite the pain of a breakup, choosing to embrace love again is a powerful decision. “But at the end of the day, choosing love is bigger, and the honesty of saying please take it slow and be patient with me can actually be a beautiful and connective moment,” she explained.
The song ‘First Rodeo’ embodies this theme of vulnerability and the courage to reopen oneself to love. Ballerini’s willingness to share her emotional journey makes this track a poignant addition to her discography.
By allowing hope to seep back into her life, she invites listeners to join her on this path of healing and rediscovery. With Stokes by her side, Ballerini’s music video serves as a celebration of love’s resilience and the beauty of taking a chance again.
-Sushmita Sarkar