Gillian Krystal’s “Merry Go Round” is about withering love

Nashville-based New York-born singer-songwriter Gillian Krystal has a rich musical root stemming from her early years in musical theatre, she later taught herself the guitar and after singing the national anthem at the TD Bank firework show, she met Russ DeSalvo who produced her debut EP, Torn, in July of 2020. It sure looks like a series of life-changing events and Gillian hasn't looked back ever since and is now fully based in Nashville, she is back in her element and working on a new album but in the interim, she shares her latest single "Merry Go Round", a soft reflective ballad that explores the dynamics of love and the emotional journey one has to go through to get a sense of belonging and clarity. Co-written with Eliza Harrison Smith, the track is ripe with relatable and heartfelt themes that capture the fleeting moments and endless cycle love throws one into. The sombre guitar plucks and dynamic arrangements are perfect for Gillian's emotionally powerful performance and soul-stirring lines like

"Have we gone too far down?
Feels like I’m stuck on a merry go round
Oh how fast is it going now?
Could I jump off and not hit the ground?"

Overall, "Merry Go Round" is a powerful reflection on the struggle to save something that may not be worth the fight, yet holding onto hope amidst the inevitable.