Cora Rebel - 'Tiptoeing'

Credit: Cora Rebel

‘Tiptoeing,’ the latest single from London-based musician Cora Rebel, 26, released on Friday, November 6th, tells a delicate tale of emotional tension and quiet resilience, portraying the confusion of growing up amidst a once-stable family as the cracks begin to show.

In the first verse, Cora paints a poignant scene of separation, with 'Dad working in the garden' and 'Mum somewhere upstairs,' while the protagonist, disconnected from the brewing chaos, finds solace in 'building Legos on the carpet.' However, while the protagonist immerses themselves in escapism, it isn't out of ignorance. They are acutely aware of the distance around them and, despite their attempts, fruitlessly seek answers from their parents. With tensions building within the family, the protagonist is left ‘tiptoeing around the house,’ aware of the growing problems but unable to fix the disarray unfolding around them, capturing a sense of isolation and helplessness.

However, as the song progresses, the situation becomes increasingly dire. In the second verse, the protagonist realises that, despite their parents' efforts to create the ideal family with their ‘white picket fence dream,’ they’re struggling to maintain appearances.

Even with their attempts to resolve the issues, the inevitable cannot be avoided. As tensions build and emotions escalate, the middle eight signals the breaking point, with the protagonist’s Mum finally leaving the household. However, while this allows both the parents to move on, it resolves nothing for the protagonist. Instead, they’re left feeling empty, with a constant sense that everyone has just been ‘tiptoeing’ around the practical steps that could have been taken instead of confronting the ‘mess’ that’s now been left behind.

Cora said: “Sharing this song was a difficult decision, as while I’m comfortable sharing my own story, I was very aware that this song was also reflective of my parents and my brother as well.”

“I grew up with caring parents and had a wonderful childhood, but as I got older, I noticed things were off. At first, I couldn’t pinpoint it, but as the years went by, I began to see the cracks for what they were,” she added.

Credit: Cora Rebel

While Cora has experimented with her sound in previous releases, including ‘20 Forever’ and ‘Late Night Phone Call’, ‘Tiptoeing’ marks a return to the acoustic pop style that has become a signature of her work. The track maintains a stripped-back production, with acoustic guitar complementing Cora’s powerful and emotive vocals. As the song progresses, the subtle introduction of piano, blending seamlessly with electronic drums and synths, mirrors the mounting tension surrounding the protagonist, building organically without overwhelming the listener.

Producer Conor Reilly said: “The song’s message made it essential not to go too big, and instead focus on a streamlined production with acoustic instrumentation, alongside reversed reverb, delay and side-chaining.”

“As someone who’s worked with Cora for a long time, I feel this song sounds the most like her. It’s earnest and has an autumnal quality,” he added.

Credit: Cora Rebel

Marking a return to Cora’s signature acoustic pop style, 'Tiptoeing' closely mirrors the heartfelt intimacy of her earlier singles, 'Room for Wonder' and 'Again'. While 'Room for Wonder' explores themes of longing and hope, 'Again' delves into the challenges of mental health, capturing moments of vulnerability and resilience. From the stripped-back production to the evocative lyrics, 'Tiptoeing' builds on the foundations of Cora’s previous releases. It reflects her talent for crafting immersive and emotionally resonant stories that offer listeners both relatability and a window into deeply personal experiences. Additionally, with its delicate yet impactful sound, 'Tiptoeing' marks a significant moment for Cora as, despite her willingness to experiment with darker pop and other genres, storytelling remains at the core of her music. Her ability to pair poignant narratives with subtle yet emotive arrangements ensures that her songs resonate deeply with her audience, solidifying her place as a voice of emotional authenticity.

Cora added: “I hope my song gives listeners the words that my parents and I struggled to find for so long. I want it to inspire them to stop tiptoeing around difficult conversations in their own homes and let them know they’re not alone. Above all, I hope it brings clarity and a sense of understanding.”

“I want to thank my parents for their unwavering support and for allowing me to release this song without hesitation. Their understanding means everything to me, and I’m grateful for their encouragement throughout this process.”

Cora will perform live at The Fiddler's Elbow on Wednesday, November 27th, at 8 p.m. She will also release her next single in January ahead of a headline show on Thursday, February 20th, next year.

Copyright Disclaimer: All copyrighted material used in this article is published with permission from the respective copyright holders.