Stubborn Love

The harmony of Stubborn Love relies on standard diatonic functions within C major, a hallmark of the 2010s indie-folk revival. Its distinctiveness comes from the rhythmic delivery and the 'vi-IV-I-V' progression in the chorus, which provides a sense of cyclical resolution that never feels fully at rest because it ends on the dominant (G). The use of the cello to sustain root notes provides a harmonic floor that makes these simple triads feel more expansive.

The song explores themes of second chances and forgiveness. The narrator recognizes the personal struggles and emotional fluctuations of a girl, encouraging her to persevere and carry on with the assurance that he will be there for her.

Released as the second single from their self-titled debut, 'Stubborn Love' helped define the 2010s indie-folk movement alongside hits like 'Ho Hey.' The track peaked at number five on the Billboard Rock Airplay chart and became the top Adult Alternative song of 2013.