Premiere: burwell Returns With “sing it back,” An Empyreal Search For Connection
Have you ever watched those videos that show the scale of the universe? Where Earth shrinks beneath the enormity of the sun, and continues to dwindle as it moves past even larger objects–stars, galaxies, superclusters, and filaments–until our planet is barely a speck on the screen? Now, imagine if that journey kept going, with distances so vast they can no longer be measured. That’s the cosmic scale of our existence. In the grand scheme, our time here is infinitesimal, a mere blip in the eons. And yet, within that brief moment, our lives are filled with so much depth and boundless potential—an existence worth fighting for, regardless of how long or short it may be. At the core of that existence is the desire to be seen, to be heard, even if just for an instant. It can mean everything. And, as paradoxical as it is, the absence of that acknowledgment can feel like everything is taken away. To be ignored, neglected, or rejected can be catastrophic–the emotional equivalent of a supernova tearing through a planetary system.
This feeling of longing and isolation is at the heart of “sing it back,” the new single from ethereal-pop artist burwell. Through a blend of lush sound and thoughtfully crafted lyrics, the track delves into the quest for connection, wrapped in a heartfelt plea tinged with hope. Set for release on Monday, March 10–aligning with “National Landline Telephone Day” to underscore its theme–this song serves as both a personal reflection and a universal statement. It poignantly reminds us that despite the constant connections facilitated by technology, many still find themselves grappling with the silence that follows a call for attention, understanding, or even simple acknowledgment. Today, The Auricular is proud to premiere this song with an exclusive premiere below as well as further insight into its deep yearning.
“sing it back” doesn’t just explore the frustrations of unanswered texts or being ignored by an acquaintance; it delves into deeper, more empyreal themes, reaching out to a Creator, in whatever form that may take. Burwell explains in a press release, “Things seemed out of control, so I was praying, but it felt like nobody was listening.” This sense of being unheard sparked the creation of the song, inspired further by the verse from Mark 9:24–“Lord, I believe; help my unbelief”–which provided comfort in the absence of recognition.
Over a lively pop melody, burwell sings, “And I don’t like to say it / Maybe I’m tired of prayin’,” expressing frustration over the cycle of waiting and questioning. She intensifies the longing with the cry, “Sing it back to me / Prove You’re listening / Cause I believed / Every word You said,” reaching out to whatever higher power is there.
The song doesn’t shy away from the discomfort of spiritual uncertainty, capturing the fear that her calls are lost in the void of an indifferent universe: “Is it true / You would do anything / I ask of You? / What if my message / Isn’t getting through / What do You expect / Me to do?” It’s a rare form of honesty, one that asks direct questions rather than framing pleas in search of simple answers. Yet just when the doubt threatens to engulf her, she finds quiet acceptance: “In a moment / You could make everything / The way I want it / But there’s a beauty in the waiting / So I’ll wait for it.”
The bubbly energy of the music provides a soft landing for the leaps burwell makes as she navigates through the song’s emotional shifts. Moving from doubt to confident assertion, she reclaims her power, flipping the script on unwavering faith while facing uncertainty. The song’s bright, sparkling production contrasts with the weight of its introspective lyrics, offering a release and a sense of empowerment. By the song’s conclusion, burwell embraces the unknown with grace, letting the music carry her message–a call not to wait for answers, but to stand firmly in one’s own truth and move forward with renewed hope.
The first single since her 2022 EP Boxes, the roots of “sing it back” trace back to 2017, when burwell co-wrote the song with Corey Pavlosky, who also produced, mixed, and mastered the track. An early version was placed in the Amazon series Sweethearts in 2024, providing the encouragement and financial momentum needed to finish the song. Now, “sing it back” is set to kick off a series of singles in 2025, signaling not only a return to releasing music but also a return to the poignant questions that have echoed in her mind. This time, burwell isn’t just waiting for an answer–she’s leaving her own message behind, wrapped in shimmering melody and steadfast hope, lingering in the listener’s mind as its answer, and, in turn, encouraging them to return the message they’ve been putting off for far too long.
“sing it back” is set for release on Monday, March 10 to all streaming platforms. For updates on future releases, make sure to follow burwell on social media.
