Kelsea Ballerini’s latest track “Emerald City” from the album Mount Pleasant tackles the uncomfortable truth about jealousy, specifically the kind that creeps in when comparing yourself to a partner’s ex.
Released November 14, 2025, the track has sparked immediate speculation about its inspiration.
Ballerini’s relationship with actor Chase Stokes, which ended in early 2025, provides context many fans can’t ignore.
The timing and details, particularly references to brown eyes and late-night texts, have led listeners to wonder if the song addresses feelings about Stokes’ previous relationship with Outer Banks co-star Madelyn Cline.
But here’s what makes “Emerald City” brilliant: it doesn’t matter who inspired it. The song captures a universal experience that most people face but rarely discuss openly.
Ballerini uses the colour green as a multi-layered metaphor throughout the track. She transforms her initial pride in her green eyes into a symbol of envy, creating a clever double meaning that runs through every verse.
The transformation from innocent self-love to uncomfortable jealousy feels both specific and achingly relatable.
The production choices support this emotional journey perfectly. The dreamy quality carries the listener through Ballerini’s internal struggle without overwhelming the message.
Her vocal delivery balances strength with fragility, refusing to apologise for her feelings while simultaneously acknowledging their discomfort.
The bridge serves as the song’s emotional climax. Ballerini stops defending herself and just lays bare the truth: she’s a person dealing with very human insecurity.
She doesn’t want these feelings. She knows they’re rooted in fear rather than reality. But pretending they don’t exist won’t make them disappear.
This honesty separates “Emerald City” from typical breakup songs or jealousy anthems. Ballerini doesn’t villainise herself or the other woman.
She doesn’t demand her partner cut all ties to his past. Instead, she asks for something much simpler and more powerful: reassurance.
“Emerald City” examines the gap between logical understanding and emotional reality. You can know intellectually that you’re chosen, that you’re loved, that the past is past. But feelings don’t always follow logic. Sometimes you need to hear it anyway.
The repeated plea “Just tell me I’m your Emerald City,” a reference to the ultimate destination in The Wizard of Oz, asks for confirmation that she’s the place he wants to be, not just where he ended up.
Ballerini’s willingness to voice this need without shame gives permission for others to do the same.
The song suggests that acknowledging jealousy and insecurity doesn’t make you weak or toxic. It makes you human. What matters is how you handle those feelings.
“Emerald City” proves that sometimes the only way out is through. Ballerini walks through her discomfort with grace, creating a track that helps listeners navigate their own complicated emotions.
You might also like:
- Ella Langley’s Weren’t For The Wind Lyrics Meaning: A Restless Country Ballad
- You Look Like You Love Me Lyrics Meaning: Ella Langley & Riley Green’s Viral Country Duet Explained
- Gracie Abrams I Love You, I’m Sorry Lyrics Explained: From Heartbreak to Healing
- Rolling in the Deep: A Breakdown of Adele’s Fiercest Heartbreak Anthem
- Olivia Rodrigo’s Traitor Lyrics: Unveiling the Heartbreak and Betrayal
- Laufey’s Tough Luck Lyrics Meaning Explained: Heartbreak in Silk Gloves with Claws