In concept, the ingredients for “Ma & Pa”, the newest single from Rudy & the Pacé Family Orchestra have all the makings of a sweet, tender love song. It draws inspiration from the love story of Rudy Pace’s parents, pulling from their marriage and everyday life. That fact, coupled with its Valentine’s Day release, may give you an idea of what you’re in for, but like most marriages, there’s a distinct lack of constant sunshine and rainbows.
Released through Analog Songs, the simplistic music video has Pacé and fellow band member Christiana Armstrong seated on a couch in a room where cozy would be an understatement. The whole atmosphere is very intimate, perfect for the environment they’re building with the song.
Pacé does a very convincing job of building your expectations for this track with his introduction. Even the opening lyrics depict an ideal evening after a long day of work – coming home to your wife, cracking open a beer, relaxing.
Subverting those expectations happens quite quickly.
“But as soon as I walk through the door I’m greeted by a scalding look from you,” Pacé sings. “Can’t do nothing right, no, I only do wrong.”
In a refreshing change of pace from most love songs, Pacé doesn’t sugarcoat things here. He and Armstrong take on the role of his parents, taking turns in airing their grievances with each other. Even their positioning in the video – backs turned to each other, casting the occasional disdainful glance – contains a certain level of dramatics that really bring the story to life.
But despite the bickering and seemingly hurtful jabs, there’s still somehow no doubt that the couple love each other immensely. Pacé will spend lines rattling off petty annoyances before smashing them all to pieces with a single line.
“There is one thing I know for sure,” Armstrong sings at one point. “Even if I tried, I couldn’t love him more.”
Pacé takes extra care in weaving in the moral that any marriage could take a page from – love isn’t perfect. It’s hard work, and it’s choosing to overcome silly arguments and pet peeves for the sake of something greater. Clearly that’s something Pacé’s parents have mastered, if they’ve inspired their son to immortalize it in song.