Janelle is based on a true story. A man attempted to cheat on his fiancée with Kirrilee. She shut it down immediately and insisted he tell the truth. He promised he would, and but instead, he lied. The couple are now married. This song is Kirrilee’s response: not born from jealousy or competition, but from accountability.
Rather than centring heartbreak, Janelle flips the expected narrative. It confronts emotional dishonesty, silence, and the quiet damage caused by avoidance. Written like an open letter, the song acts as both confrontation and closure; a refusal to carry someone else’s guilt in silence.
Sonically, Janelle pairs dark, atmospheric pop production with controlled tension. A moody synth introduction sets the scene before a deliberate beat drop ushers in Kirrilee’s vocal; both sensual and restrained. Janelle has a certain intimacy, as though Kirrilee is whispering a secret to us, but there’s an underlying frustration in her voice that feels confrontational.
Early listeners have praised the song’s emotional clarity and production depth:
“The lyrics immediately stand out for their narrative honesty and the strength of their point of view, almost like an open letter that bravely and clearly exposes contradictions, omissions, and emotional hypocrisy.” - Indie Space Records
“The production itself is clear and detailed… atmospheric vibes with cool beats. The vocals fit so well and sound sensual and deep.” - Cakes & Eclairs
“There’s a powerful, well-directed emotional charge that turns a personal experience into a story with strong potential for listener connection.” - Indie Space Records
Others have highlighted Kirrilee’s performance and artistic identity:
“There’s a tenderness and delicacy in your music that really captivates when you listen.” - Daria Ra
“A beauty from Australia making indie tragedy music. The idea is unique.” - DJ Cosmin
Speaking on the release, Kirrilee says:
“Janelle isn’t a song about revenge. It’s about telling the truth when silence protects the wrong person.”
“Janelle” reinforces Kirrilee’s reputation for fearless lyricism and emotional precision, marking a defining moment in her catalogue; one where personal integrity takes centre stage, regardless of the fallout.
Lyrics
Thank you :)
Know you see the way she looks at you
but there you go again you had to spoil the view
I know you know that she deserves the world
your eyes too busy wandering to even be concerned
Heard you’re getting married on a beach
when you say your vows hope you practice what you preach
but I’ve got a feeling she doesn’t know
the way you were behaving not even a year ago
When you pulled me aside
told me you wanted to go there
and if I decide
You’d leave her in the dust
when you gonna tell Janelle?
You know I really wish you both so well
I don’t think you can say the same
So before you tie the knot around her neck
won’t you tell Janelle?
Won’t you tell Janelle?
I could never do the things you did
try’na get between my sheets
while she’s talking ‘bout a kid
rejecting you was such an easy thing
always thought you’d ‘fess up
now she’s wearing that ring
I can’t believe the story that you’ve spun
prince charming husband looking for some fun
I wonder if you ever felt bad
that you had her whole heart in the palm of your hand
When you pulled me aside
told me you wanted to go there
and if I decide
You’d leave her in the dust
when you gonna tell Janelle?
You know I really wish you both so well
I don’t think you can say the same
So before you tie the knot around her neck
won’t you tell Janelle?
Won’t you tell Janelle?
and don’t think i didn’t go try to tell her
But every move I made
you always seemed to have a counter
Told her that I wasn’t to be trusted
And that was all it took for you to get away with everything
When you pulled me aside
told me you wanted to go there
and if I decide
You’d leave her in the dust
when you gonna tell Janelle?
You know I really wish you both so well
I don’t think you can say the same
So before you tie the knot around her neck
won’t you tell Janelle?
Won’t you tell Janelle?