“Breadwinner” by Kacey Musgraves

“Breadwinner” is a track from Kacey Musgraves’ “Star-Crossed”, a project that one prominent entertainment website has described as a “divorce album”. That is to say that recently, unfortunately for the songstress, she has in fact dealt with a divorce, and we can also say the type of emotional turmoil that is part and parcel of such an experience. 

So the logical implication would be that songs such as this one, which are based on romantic discontent, would have in fact been inspired by that experience. And if such is the case, well, Breadwinner definitely paints a less-than-flattering picture of Ruston Kelly, i.e. Kacey Musgraves’ ex-husband.

But that said, there is no actual namedropping in the lyrics nor any indication that this song is based on an actual marriage. 

Be Careful, Fellow Women!

Rather, this piece serves largely as a warning to other women. And what Kacey is telling her sistren, most simply put, is that some men are gold diggers. To her, these men are constantly in search of “a breadwinner”, i.e. a woman to feed him or more to the point someone he can milk.  

And such is not only for financial/physical purposes but also to big up his ego, that is until he ‘starts to feel insecure’. Or more simply put, whenever he’s has gained what it is his heart truly desires from a woman, then he bounces.  So said subject is depicted as being immature and self-centered, on top of perhaps possessing other major personality flaws.

However, as presented, when kicking it to successful women like Musgraves, said individuals pretend that they aren’t really impressed by their money and standing. You know, they’re “different than all of the rest” of the dudes. Instead it’s the lady they’re after, not her income.

But if said lady does dumb out and actually falls in love with “a boy like that”, he’s going to use her – primarily it would seem from a financial standpoint – and subsequently dump her. And the reason the singer is compelled to warn others is because she has personally fallen victim to such a playa and wishes someone had warned her beforehand. 

But on the bright side now being more experienced in the game, she is able to recognize these types of dudes “a mile away”.

“Breadwinner” and “Star-Crossed”

This song is from Star-Crossed, an album which, as with this track, was produced by Kacey Musgraves alongside Ian Fitchuk and Daniel Tashian. 

And the three of them also co-wrote Breadwinner in conjunction with Ilsey and BJ Burton.

Star-Crossed marks the first album that Kacey Musgraves has released under Interscope Records, with the other label behind this track being MCA Nashville. And the entire project was made public on the date of 10 September 2021.