girl in red Opens Up on New Single "Hemingway"

Written by Astrid Kutos

Graphic by Rebekah Witt

Norwegian indie-pop singer-songwriter girl in red, otherwise known as Marie Ulven Ringheim, recently released her newest single ‘Hemingway,” an intimate reflection on her struggle with addiction and mental health. Her delicate vocals paired with acoustic guitar instrumentals underline the vulnerability of this beautiful, heartwrenching track. 

In the lead up to the release, Ringheim posted about the story behind it on social media, referring to it as the “most important song [she's] made in her life.” The lyrics reflect on alcoholism and the toll it takes on both yourself and your loved ones, as well as being unable to accept pushback even if comes from a place of love. The title and chorus (“Goddamn baby, you drink like Hemingway”) reference novelist Ernest Hemingway, widely considered as one of the greatest American writers and also a known alcoholic. Ringheim draws the comparison to his drinking but shows criticism about her artistry, “But your writing's no good and your songs all sound the same.

“Hemingway” is everything that draws people in about girl in red: the candid, poetic lyricism, ethereal vocals and beautiful instrumentals. It's a brave and important release, and is wonderfully executed.