Hilary Cousins’ "Road to Corinth": A Journey for Insight and Meaning in a Fractured World

Stefani M.C. Janelli
Sep 17
3 min read

Hilary Cousins is an LA-based singer-songwriter whose music blends folk, indie-rock, and Americana with evocative lyrics and cinematic soundscapes. A New England native with an unconventional upbringing, his work reflects a deep awareness of love, loss, hope, and the search for meaning. Beyond music, Cousins is also a filmmaker, writer, and audio engineer—creative pursuits that shape his songwriting and give his music a layered, expressive quality. Performing regularly in Southern California and reaching international listeners with over 75,000 streams in the past year, Cousins continues to expand his audience with songs that balance introspection and energy.

hilary cousins - pc Blaise Joseph — Photo Credit: Blaise Joseph

Hilary Cousins’ “Road to Corinth” begins with delicate acoustic guitar plucking, immediately establishing a reflective and intimate mood before his warm, deep vocals enter. Subtle lead guitar lines weave in and out, adding nuance without ever overpowering the core melody.

As the track progresses, the arrangement gradually expands, layering live drums, percussive electronic elements, and intricate counter-melodies from guitars and keyboards by Chris Ranney, creating a sense of forward motion and increasing emotional intensity. By the two-and-a-half-minute mark, the song bursts into a hard-hitting groove, infectious and full of energy, before ultimately easing into a quiet, reflective fade.

The song’s structure sets it apart from conventional pop-rock. In lieu of a traditional chorus, Cousins employs a strophic form in which the same musical phrase recurs while the lyrics shift, creating a narrative urgency and emphasizing the song’s reflective and symbolic message. His lyrics grapple with love, faith, and human connection in a fractured world, highlighted by potent lines such as, “Some see all the world as a treasure / They measure their reflections in gold / But the mirror is blurry and empty / Because love is never bought or sold.”

"'This song has always been very important to me and I’m really pleased with the way the recording brings the song to life. But I didn’t know that sharing the song at this point in time, with its message about seeking and believing in unconditional love, would make the track so timely and relevant." - Hilary Cousins

Drawing inspiration from St. Paul’s Letter to the Corinthians, the words are not tied to a literal place but instead serve as a meditation on seeking meaning and insight beyond superficial or material concerns.

Musically and thematically, “Road to Corinth” mirrors the journey it depicts. The track is a dedication to storytelling through song, balancing thoughtful lyricism with dynamic, evolving arrangements that carry the listener along a path of reflection, discovery, and energy. Cousins’ skill as both a songwriter and a producer is on full display, shaping a track that feels cinematic while offering a resonant, symbolic message.

LONG STORY SHORT: "Road to Corinth" is a song that rewards attentive listening, revealing new layers and emotions with each pass, and stands as a compelling example of Cousins’ artistry and commitment to music and the stories he shares.