KELSEA BALLERINI - I Sit In Parks - Black River Entertainment

Kelsea Ballerini’s “I Sit In Parks,” co-written and co-produced with Alysa Vanderheym, emerges as the lead single from her forthcoming EP, Mount Pleasant, set for release on November 14, 2025. This introspective song offers listeners an intimate look into Ballerini’s inner world, as she grapples with the complexities of ambition, longing, and the passage of time.

The song opens with a vivid, almost cinematic scene: “I sit in parks, it breaks my heart, 'cause I see / Just how far I am from the things that I want.” Ballerini uses the mundane act of sitting in a park as a metaphorical vantage point, observing families and children—symbols of a life path she feels distanced from. The specificity in details like “Dad brought the picnic, Mom brought the sunscreen / Two kids are laughing and crying on red swings” grounds the song in relatable imagery, making her reflection all the more poignant.

Throughout the lyrics, Ballerini contrasts her own journey with those around her: “We look about the same age / But we don't have the same Saturdays.” This line encapsulates the song’s central tension—an artist caught between the trappings of success and the allure of a more traditional, perhaps quieter, existence.

Ballerini’s vulnerability shines as she questions her choices: “Did I miss it? By now, is it / A lucid dream? Is it my fault / For chasing things a body clock / Doesn't wait for?” There’s a palpable sense of anxiety over lost time and the sacrifices made for her career. The mention of “Lexapro,” an antidepressant, and pop culture references like “Rolling Stones says I'm on the right road,” add layers of authenticity, highlighting the intersection of public validation and private doubt.

Lines such as “I wonder if she wants my freedom, like I wanna be a mother” capture the universal longing for what we don’t have, and the grass-is-greener syndrome that often accompanies major life decisions. The song’s refrain—“I spun around and then I stopped / And wonder if I missed the mark”—is a haunting echo of self-doubt that resonates with anyone questioning their path.

While the review is based primarily on the lyrics, the collaboration with Alysa Vanderheym suggests a production style that likely complements the song’s introspective mood. Given Ballerini’s track record, listeners can expect a thoughtful blend of country-pop sensibility, with understated instrumentation that allows the lyrics’ emotional weight to shine.

“I Sit In Parks” stands out as a mature, contemplative offering from Kelsea Ballerini. It bravely navigates themes of longing, regret, and the search for meaning amid career success. As the lead single for Mount Pleasant, it sets the tone for an EP that promises to delve even deeper into life’s turning points. For fans and newcomers alike, this song offers both a mirror and a window—reflecting personal insecurities while inviting empathy and understanding.

(Review Written By: Dave Pierce)