Kelsea Ballerini’s ‘Mount Pleasant’ EP: A Raw, Unfiltered Look Into Her Heart
Country music sensation Kelsea Ballerini has once again captured the attention of fans and critics alike with her deeply personal new six-song EP, Mount Pleasant. Released on Friday, November 14, this collection of tracks offers an intimate glimpse into the artist’s recent emotional landscape, sparking significant discussion—especially around two particular songs: “Emerald City” and “587.”
“Emerald City” and “587”: Unraveling the Relationship Speculations
Fans have been quick to dissect the lyrics, drawing connections to Ballerini’s high-profile relationship with actor Chase Stokes. Reports of a split between the two surfaced in September, following more than two years together, though Us Weekly recently reported a reconciliation. The EP seems to chronicle some of the turbulence experienced during the summer, particularly in songs “Emerald City” and “587.”
The Intricacies of “587”
In “587,” Ballerini candidly addresses the friction points that can erode a relationship, singing about “missed calls from exes, past life connections, and who’s more impressive” as reasons for “a little more space between us.” These lines paint a picture of classic relationship anxieties, where past shadows and present insecurities create distance.
“Emerald City”: A Deep Dive into Jealousy and Fan Theories
It’s the track “Emerald City,” however, that has truly ignited fan speculation. The lyrics appear to delve into feelings of envy directed at a lover’s ex, leading many to believe it’s inspired by Stokes’s former relationship with actress Madelyn Cline, with whom he spent the summer filming the final season of Netflix’s hit show, Outer Banks.
While Kelsea Ballerini doesn’t explicitly name names, the lyrical details provide compelling evidence for fan theories:
- “Always like the color of my eyes ’til I knew she had brown, I’m green.” This line immediately resonated with fans, noting Madelyn Cline’s brown eyes.
- “Always liked my naïve innocence ’til I learned she got around.” This lyric has been interpreted by fans as a reference to Cline’s rumored public relationships post-Stokes, including links to Pete Davidson and others.
- In the bridge, Ballerini sings, “I’m good as gold, but when she’s around, my true color comes out.” This strongly aligns with Stokes and Cline’s continued professional interactions on Outer Banks.
The overarching theme of “Emerald City” is clearly one of jealousy and insecurity, with Kelsea Ballerini vocalizing, “If I got you, why does she still get me? I hate to say it, but damn it she’s pretty,” and “I’m just a girl, kinda jealous, kinda insecure, and I hate how it takes me down an old road where she used to be yours.”
Contradictions and Public Statements
These raw expressions of jealousy and insecurity in “Emerald City” present an intriguing contrast to Kelsea Ballerini’s previous public comments about Madelyn Cline. During the filming of Outer Banks Season 4 in 2023 and 2024, when Ballerini was actively in a relationship with Stokes, she spoke highly of Cline.
“I met her and I talked to her and she’s lovely. And I think she’s wildly talented,” Ballerini shared on the Call Her Daddy podcast in 2023. She further emphasized, “And I think the internet did its best to make it really weird, and it just didn’t work for them. I’m stoked to be on set and vibe with everyone. At the end of the day, I’m a girl’s girl. I don’t buy into the bulls**t… I think they have a beautiful working relationship and I’m excited to hang with her.” She even clarified, “It’s not weird. Everyone’s good.”
Furthermore, when Outer Banks Season 4 premiered, Kelsea Ballerini made a viral TikTok expressing her admiration for Cline’s character, Sarah Cameron, stating, “So hot. So hot. We stan Sarah Cameron and Madelyn Cline in this house.” The two also exchanged warm comments on social media after meeting at the VMAs in 2023.
Stokes and Cline: A Professional Bond Beyond Romance
The history between Chase Stokes and Madelyn Cline dates back to 2019 when they met filming Outer Banks Season 1. Their off-screen romance, confirmed in June 2020, captivated fans, but they ultimately split in November 2021. Despite the breakup, they continued their on-screen romance as beloved characters, John B and Sarah Cameron, for four more years.
Both actors have openly discussed their commitment to professionalism and maintaining a friendship. “Maddie and I have really always made it a point that this show and these characters are components of our life that changed everything for us,” Stokes told InStyle. “If we were not to honor that, we would be dishonoring ourselves and a lot of people who have invested into this show and these characters.” He notably added, “One thing that’s always stood true for her and I is that the show is our first love.”
Cline echoed this sentiment to People, stating, “We’ve said from day one, our job is always to leave the show and the season better than when we left it last. And everybody is still very much a family. Outer Banks has always been a family. And I’m just happy that we are able to remain professional.”
Kelsea Ballerini’s Artistry: Turning Pain into Poetry
The ‘Mount Pleasant’ EP is a powerful testament to Kelsea Ballerini’s ability to transform deeply personal experiences into relatable art. While her public persona often exudes confidence and positivity, these new tracks reveal a more vulnerable side, acknowledging complex emotions like jealousy and insecurity that many listeners can identify with. It solidifies her reputation as a songwriter who isn’t afraid to pour her heart out, making her music resonate on a profoundly emotional level with her audience.
Whether the lyrics are direct reflections of specific events or metaphorical explorations of universal feelings, Kelsea Ballerini continues to evolve as an artist, using her platform to explore the messy, beautiful reality of human relationships. Fans eager to delve deeper into her lyrical journey can find Mount Pleasant on all major streaming platforms. You can also explore Kelsea Ballerini’s official music and tour dates on her official website.
