There is something special that happens when seasoned performers turn their focus inward and choose to tell a story that rings as true for strangers as it does for themselves. On their new single “West Virginia,” Arkansas-based husband-and-wife duo Cliff & Susan offer a gorgeously written, emotionally resonant ballad that is sure to become a defining moment in their discography.
Written by Cliff and Susan Prowse, “West Virginia” is not so much about geography as it is about emotional direction. It tells the story of a young couple growing up just south of Richmond, Virginia, who marry more out of habit than hope. What begins in childhood sweetness quietly deteriorates into adult sorrow, and the song captures that trajectory with heartbreaking clarity. “She told me that she loved me, I said, honey, I love you too,” Cliff sings, and in that simple, familiar exchange, we feel the entire arc of a relationship… the kind many listeners will recognize.
This is an achingly well-crafted piece of songwriting, full of lyrical grace and subtle poetry. The clever play on the title, “I’m going west, Virginia,” serves as both a literal and emotional departure. He is leaving his wife Virginia and also heading west to find what remains of himself. The song’s ability to work on these dual levels is a testament to the couple’s growing strength as storytellers. It is no surprise that they perform more than 200 shows a year. They know how to connect.
Vocally, Cliff delivers a deeply felt lead performance, full of worn-in honesty and quiet resolve. His voice does not plead or shout. It reflects the kind of emotional distance that comes after many restless nights and too many words left unsaid. Susan’s harmonies are understated and ethereal, offering just enough presence to remind us that while the narrator may be leaving, there is still love, even in the letting go.
The sonic texture of this track is lush without being overproduced. “West Virginia” marks Cliff & Susan’s first release mixed in Dolby Atmos, and that immersive soundstage adds depth and warmth without losing the intimacy that defines their work. Nashville producer and Billboard-charting mix engineer Colt Capperrune brings a thoughtful hand to the production. He also plays electric guitar and bass on the track, anchoring a talented session band that includes Gabe Klein on keys, Smith Curry on steel guitar, and Lester Estelle Jr. on drums and percussion.
Each musical contribution here serves the story. Curry’s steel guitar lines weep in all the right places, echoing the emotional ache of the lyrics. Klein’s B3 and Wurli textures give the arrangement a cinematic sweep, while Estelle’s percussion moves the song forward without rushing its pace. This is a ballad that knows how to breathe.
The accompanying visualizer, filmed at the historic McKinney Cotton Mill in Fort Worth, Texas, enhances the song’s themes of aging memories and emotional erosion. The setting feels timeless, grounded in the textures of weathered brick and old wood, perfectly reflecting the emotional landscape Cliff & Susan so carefully paint with their music.
This is not a flashy release. “West Virginia” is the kind of song that does not need radio bells and whistles to make its point. It relies instead on emotional truth, thoughtful craftsmanship, and the kind of vocal delivery that only comes from artists who believe in the stories they are telling.
Cliff & Susan have built their career from the ground up. They have opened for icons, toured internationally, and run their own independent label, Big Red Dog Productions. But with “West Virginia,” they have taken another step forward, both artistically and emotionally. This is a song that lingers long after the last note, one that will undoubtedly strike a chord with anyone who has faced the painful decision to leave behind something once beautiful.
Authentic, poignant, and elegantly executed, “West Virginia” is a triumph for Cliff & Susan. It deserves a place not only on playlists but in the hearts of country music fans who believe that great songs still matter.
–Bobby Ohrmann