Aubory Bugg’s ‘ive come to realize’ is a masterclass in restraint - a quietly devastating folk track that captures the weight of unspoken fears with striking clarity. 

There’s no need for dramatic flourishes here. The arrangement is understated yet immersive. 

Fingerpicked acoustic guitar forms the song’s heartbeat, accompanied by gentle strings and pointillist keys. Aubory’s voice, warm and quietly assured, guides you gently into a world of subtle revelation. The lyric “I’m still terrified I’ll outlive all my friends” stands out as an emotional linchpin, capturing the core feeling of the track. It’s not melodramatic, it’s quietly devastating. Delivered with disarming simplicity, the line feels lived in. It’s a rare kind of lyricism: specific and personal yet universally resonant.

Rather than a build toward a climax, the song unfolds like a realisation mid-thought - subtle, spacious and reflective. It’s a piece that rewards close listening and lingers long after the final note. Just as you feel the track is ending, a soundscape that feels more like a memory than a moment enters the scene. An instrumental section that almost feels like morning light spilling across a still lake, a gentle uplift packed with a steady drum, electric guitar and ambient textures.

With ‘ive come to realize’, Aubory Bugg doesn't try to overwhelm the listener. Instead, she invites them in, offering a space to sit with their own thoughts. It’s intimate, confessional and quietly unforgettable.

 

Anna Louise Jones

@annalouiseachives

Image: ‘i've come to realize’ Official Single Cover