'Casseroles' by Hailey Whitters – Lyrics & Meaning

It's been a minute since Hailey Whitters graced us with a fresh new song, and, now, she has hit us with an absolute doozy.

Arriving Friday (Jan. 17), 'Casseroles' marks the singer-songwriter's first single release since her 2023 EP I’m In Love, a cheery compilation that bubbles over with her trademark charm and delightful wit.

'Casseroles', however, is a sidestep for the effervescent songstress as she navigates grief and traverses loss, crafting a poignant soundtrack for the pain and a glimmer of hope on the other side of it.

'Casseroles' isn't weighed down in a wash of noise; instead, the delicate tune is allowed to breath. The pluck of a string, the pull of a bow – there isn't much more to the song, the singer's voice bearing much of the load. In truth, it doesn't need much more. The sound – patient and steady – succinctly captures the mournful song's illuminating message.

"Joe lost his wife, he’s lost in the blue
He wonders what he’s gonna do
When the casseroles stop coming
Right now his house is packed to the gills
Everyone’s dressed in black ties and heels
And they’re all floating round the room
But he feels like he’s under the ocean"

'Casseroles' opens on a despondent scene, capturing a recently widowed Joe as he attempts to navigate the loss of his wife in a room full of people. Likely taking place after the funeral or during the wake, this moment finds him surrounded by loved ones and well-wishers offering their condolences, hugs and hot dishes.

While he's not alone in his home, he feels alone in his grieving, left to wonder what's next? as people shuffle around him and eventually leave.

"And those ol’ six strings keep strumming
And those wild winged hummingbirds keep humming
I don’t know how but this world keeps on turning
And love keeps on loving
After the casseroles stop coming"

While the song is a sombre one, touching on the bitter reality of the loss of a loved one, Whitters' words offer a tinge a hope. At the end of the day, even if it doesn't seem fathomable from the depths of grief, this world still turns, the birds still sing and "love keeps on loving / After the casseroles stop coming."

"Sometimes I wonder what kind of friend have I been
Am I tin foil and pyrex, show up that’s it
Or am I knock on the door when nobody’s knocking no more
Well if I’m being honest I could do so much better
Wrap you in my arms, in a handwritten letter
Or hold your umbrella while the rain pours"

In the song, Whitters takes Joe's experience inward, pondering the kind of person she's been when a mourning friend needed her. Has she been the casserole kind, showing up with meal in hand just to drop it off and leave, or has she been persistent in checking in?

As Whiters sings, she seems to speak to us all, reminding listeners that we all could do better in being there for our people, lifting them up in their pain and being the love that keeps on loving even after the casseroles stop coming.

"Oh those ol’ six strings keep strumming
And those wild winged hummingbirds keep humming
I don’t know how but this world keeps on turning
And love keeps on loving
After the casseroles stop coming"

Hailey Whitters was sent 'Casseroles', written by Hillary Lindsey, Tom Douglas and James Slater, and it immediately captured her.

"During my first listen, I was absolutely floored," Whitters shared in a statement. It wasn't just because the song was beautiful, but because it also struck a chord with the artist.

She explained, "I lost my brother suddenly thirteen years ago, and from that moment on, my life was changed forever. I particularly remember everyone bringing loads of food and casseroles over and how I couldn't eat for days because I was so distraught. Remembering that moment was what made this song hit so heavy for me. What happens when the casseroles stop coming and everyone has moved on, but it feels like you never will?"

To her, though, 'Casseroles' is so much more than a sad song. She added, "As heavy and somber as the lyric and melody is, I also think there's hope in the message and pray that it lands between ears that need to hear it.”

Joe lost his wife, he’s lost in the blue
He wonders what he’s gonna do
When the casseroles stop coming
Right now his house is packed to the gills
Everyone’s dressed in black ties and heels
And they’re all floating round the room
But he feels like he’s under the ocean

And those ol’ six strings keep strumming
And those wild winged hummingbirds keep humming
I don’t know how but this world keeps on turning
And love keeps on loving
After the casseroles stop coming

Sometimes I wonder what kind of friend have I been
Am I tin foil and pyrex, show up that’s it
Or am I knock on the door when nobody’s knocking no more
Well if I’m being honest I could do so much better
Wrap you in my arms, in a handwritten letter
Or hold your umbrella while the rain pours

Oh those ol’ six strings keep strumming
And those wild winged hummingbirds keep humming
I don’t know how but this world keeps on turning
And love keeps on loving
After the casseroles stop coming

Ooo ooo
Yeahhh

And those ol’ six strings keep strumming
And those wild winged hummingbirds keep humming
I don’t know how but this world keeps on turning
And love keeps on loving
After the casseroles stop coming

--

For more on Hailey Whitters, see below: