‘Shout out’ by Rhiannon Paige review
‘Shout Out’ is the latest musical offering from Rhiannon Paige, hailing from Bristol due to be released 18th September 2026.
Rhiannon has written the song alongside the incredible team at @patchwork_music_official who Rhiannon describes as “a dream to work with and I would recommend these guys to anyone.” Rhiannon also cites the wizardry of @joffy.james who is a constant with Rhiannon’s music and she tells me is equally a pleasure to work with.
“This song encapsulates how as musicians we are fighting to be heard in a noisy, competitive industry, while ultimately realising that the most powerful thing you can do is stop trying to compete and have the courage to be yourself.”
I love the meaning behind the song, the fight and struggle to be heard, be that literally or metaphorically. The voice needed to not only engage with the audience but also execs in the industry. The song speaks more broadly to life too, often being overlooked or not heard, when in reality we’ve two ears and one mouth for a reason. It also capture the strength in conviction we all need to have to be able to confidently back ourselves for any opportunity.
“Let the people talk, coz everybody wants to be heard.
It’s a lonely walk in a busy overcrowded world
Hush hush
You’ve just gotta play your part don’t over step the mark, being smart, heaven forbid.
Step out of line.”
The opening verse starts very calmly and is a very true relatable feeling of wanting to be heard. The lyrics speak of loneliness and isolation of not being heard or under represented. The imagery is clear and powerful, depicting a scene of a solitary walk yet surrounded by hubbub from the world around us. I love how this is a very metaphorical representation of our minds. The overcrowded world perhaps intrusive thoughts, or simply the inability to process our feelings.
The lyrics also speak of “play your part, don’t overstep the mark…” which implies you’re being somewhat dictated to.
“Shout out! Who can scream loudest,
Who can wake the dead, or roar like a lioness.
Shout out, tired of the silence
I’m bleeding words unsaid
Who am I trying to impress.”
The chorus perfectly captures the despair and break out moment we realise we need to find our voice, a backbone and be counted. It speaks of the competition of being the loudest but ultimately it’s all about being heard; although this can take differing forms.
My favourite lyric has to be ‘more like a lioness’ although I first thought it said ‘roar’. Just like a lioness there is often the need to strike a balance both in what’s being said but also actions. Extending that theme of lionesses, then every musician has a Pride (team/ family) around them whilst also having immense pride in their work both collectively and individually.
“Shout out,
I hear the preacher speaking
Done with all the reasons
Dancing to the drum that’s beating
But I’m just me
So I’m going too in shout out.”
These lyrics speak of defiance, whilst hearing “preacher speaking” you’re “dancing to the drum that’s beating”; whilst this might suggest compliance and going along with the beat (spoken else’s’ suggestions perhaps, it could also symbolise following our passions and listening to ourselves. The “drum that’s beating” is perhaps a metaphor for our heart, listening to ourselves inner convictions and “I’m just me”.
“Unapologetically me,
Coz I just wanna be heard
But im playing the game
And everybody wants the last word
Here’s who’s for wishing
Talents here for fishing
What is it I’m missing
When I’m giving it all,
So I’ll let the voice talk.”
Verse two speaks of being “unapologetically me” and standing up for yourself, ensuring you voice yourself with conviction. The lyrics do however reference it as “playing the game”. This game involves picking the right time. To come forward at the right moment is key. It’s clear there is confidence in one’s ability as it says “let the voice talk” yet often action speaks with greater power and prominence.
Returning to chorus, the lyrics remind us of our inner confidence and defiance, collective pride to help lift us up. “Tired of the silence” suggests little excitement or feedback.
“Shout out,
I hear the preacher speaking
Done with all the reasons
Dancing to the drum that’s beating
But I’m just me
So I’m going too in shout out.”
This lyric references hearing a “preacher speaking” which depending on your perspective can feel forced, whereas the subsequent lyric citing “dancing to the drum that’s beating” is perhaps suggestive of listening to your heart and our heartbeat is the metaphorical drum.
“I keep my body in while others get it out for the world to see
Sick of hiding who I am, scared of what they’ll think of me.”
The middle 8, or bridge references respecting your own boundaries and personal life. Whilst some may choose to flash more flesh than others and flaunt their body, others feel more comfortable expressing themselves in other ways. It shows that we shouldn’t have to worry what others will think of us, but more to feel confident and comfortable in who we are.
Once again, the song returns to the chorus, portraying the despair of the inner battle and wanting to “Shout Out”. Screaming out can be synonymous with pain, but also a rebirth of sorts. As cited earlier, lionesses are synonymous with pride, be that the family we surround ourselves with (both born and adopted). Equally, this could be referring the stepping out into the Pride community and finally being comfortable to announce it.
Make sure to check out Rhiannon’s social media and ‘Shout Out’ will be available from 18th September 2026 on all your usual music streaming sites.
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