Kacey Musgraves Embarks on a “Kaleidoscopic Trip” Through The Circle of Life in 'Cardinal' Music Video

Kacey Musgraves Explores Life's Transitions in Psychedelic-Inspired ‘Cardinal’ Music Video Kacey Musgraves ventures into new artistic realms with her latest music video for ‘Cardinal’, a song deeply influenced by the passing of her friend and mentor, John Prine. 

Reflecting on the song's origins, Musgraves shared in a zine publication, "When cardinals appear, angels are near," detailing how these birds began appearing after Prince died in 2020, which inspired the track.

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"Unexplainable things started happening and cardinals started showing up on my doorstep soon after my good friend and mentor, John Prine," Musgraves expressed in the zine. "He always had a big connection to cardinals and felt that they were messengers from the spirit realm. He inspired this song, no doubt."

John Prine, a revered figure in country music, passed away at the age of 73 due to COVID complications. Musgraves and Prince had developed a close bond over the years, collaborating and performing together at various notable venues and events.

The music video for ‘Cardinal’, directed by Scott Cudmore, delves into themes of birth, rebirth, nature, memory, and transformation. According to a press release, the video takes viewers on an "abstract and kaleidoscopic trip," featuring Musgraves in serene contemplation amid shifting aesthetics from country chic to psychedelic visuals that complement the song's '70s-inspired sound.

Throughout the video, Musgraves is portrayed gazing thoughtfully out of windows and later takes on an ethereal appearance in an all-black ensemble. As the visuals unfold, she levitates above the ground amidst scenes of blooming flowers, decaying apples, and the symbolic presence of a cardinal in flight, symbolising the circle of life and the passage of time. Musgraves' ‘Cardinal’ video not only showcases her evolution as an artist but also pays homage to the profound impact of John Prine's legacy on her music and creative journey.

-Sushmita Sarkar