Strength Meets Sensitivity in Bel’s Latest Single “Canadian Tuxedo”

Isabella Basile
Sep 5
3 min read

Bel, also known as Isabel Furman, is a Philadelphia-based singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. Influenced by Snail Mail and Madison Cunningham, she crafts witty, rock-driven songs that immerse the listener in her story. “Canadian Tuxedo,” released August 22nd, is the first song off of her upcoming album Licorice, out in November. This is her first release since her last single, “string tug” with frank.e, in 2022. “Canadian Tuxedo” was written for Bel’s fiancé, the two soon to be married. It is “an ode to long-term love and the ways in which we depend on it to shape our self-image.”

Opening with guitar and drums, soft fuzzy vocals come in on the first verse with soft lyrics about how when her partner gets sick they still take concoctions from their mother to make them feel better, "but you still drink her potions religiously, every time / you feel even a bit sick,” sickness being a vulnerability, a very common theme throughout “Canadian Tuxedo.

At 0:54, an acoustic guitar comes in with fingerpicking during the second verse, with lyrics “the highway bleeds into the night / and now I’ve got hypnosis / you keep the car between the lines / you try to keep me focused” possibly alluding to ADHD, and when she starts to drift in and out of attention, her partner gets it back. “Canadian Tuxedo” offers a positive outlook on co-dependency, where many often view it negativity; shedding light that co-dependency is beneficial, especially where one or both of the partners have a disability or mental health disorder, where each partner can help each other in things that they can not do alone.

"'This is the first music I'm releasing in three years, and I feel like it marks a new era in this project's music. Instead of writing songs about yearning and heartbreak, I'm in a long-term relationship and exploring all of the emotional complexity that comes with it. I've reconnected with some of the harder rock music I grew up listening to, and I've been inspired by playing in a local punk band to lean into heavier textures. I didn't plan to get married and release this song within six weeks of each other, but it doesn't feel like a coincidence either; both kind of represent a new stage and direction that feels very grounded, committed, and creatively fulfilling." - Isabel Furman (Bel)

Following these lyrics, she brings up the theme of vulnerability yet again, “you said be gentle with my dreams and / proceeded to weave me / a blanket to sleep in / be gentle with me then,” wrapping her up in the comfort of love helps in feel safe and loved, grounding her in her relationship. And being all bundled up in that metaphorical safety blanket they wove for you, gives you a security that shows you that you can better yourself and your relationship.

Picking up with a fuller sound and harmonies at 1:28, we hear the refrain for the first time with lyrics, “‘cause I like it when you / call me tough and / talk soft, when you / call me tough and / talk soft” that keeps you intrigued with its unique phrasing and catchiness. The lyrics “I like it when you call me tough and talk soft” capture what the song is truly about: being able to be both strong and vulnerable at the same time, be yourself, have security and acceptance in your relationship.

Then at 1:53 the third verse switches up, coming in with only bass and vocals, adding overheads at 1:58 and another bassline at 2:02, switching to just acoustic and vocals at 2:13 with the addition of bass again at 2:19. Lots of musical changes from 1:53 to 2:23, which adds to the idea of being strong one minute and the next being exposed, and how you can even be both at once, like how at 2:23, the chorus comes back in strong, yet vulnerable with the same lyrics “I like it when you call me tough and talk soft.”

LONG STORY SHORT: “Canadian Tuxedo” is filled with themes of love, vulnerability, and co-dependency. It’s about building your partner up when they are down, being with them through thick and thin, and loving them, no matter what, even when they don’t always listen. With relationships come trials and errors, but love it overcomes; through sickness and health, through life and death, love carries on. “Canadian Tuxedo” teaches you that it's okay to feel both strong and weak, and that it's okay to rely on others when you need help!