The pandemic weighs heavily on Melissa Bel’s mind. “People That I Love” rings through the isolation and exhaustion and wraps the listener in a big ole hug. “We’re only getting older,” Bell weeps on her piano, “and I just want to hold you.” The desire, she shares, is that time will just slow down for a moment for everyone to catch their breath. “I hope it won’t be long / Til I’m in your arms / I’m too used to missing people that I love,” she sings. The repeated refrain comes around at the end as a barely audible statement, the lonesomeness still clinging to her bones.
Listen to “People That I Love” below.