Rosemary Schultz has never been one to shy away from the uncomfortable truths of life, and her new single “Betty & Jesse” might be her most cinematic and thought-provoking work yet. Released on September 5, 2025, the track unfolds like a folk-inspired short film, complete with characters, tension, and a hauntingly familiar story.
The narrative follows Betty, a girl who runs from a broken home, only to fall into the arms of Jesse—a man destined to repeat the same destructive patterns he inherited. Together, they mirror the very lives they tried to escape, carrying generational wounds forward like an echo. Schultz frames this story not as a simple tragedy, but as a cautionary tale—a reminder of how easily cycles can repeat if we don’t consciously choose a different path.
Musically, “Betty & Jesse” leans into a cinematic folk soundscape, blending acoustic guitar, harmonica, and Schultz’s unmistakable, raw, soulful vocals. She wanted the song to feel like Betty herself was recounting her story to a daughter years later, filled with both resignation and fragile hope. The result is chilling yet deeply moving, striking a chord with anyone who’s ever wrestled with the weight of family history.
What gives this release even more resonance is Schultz’s own journey. A military veteran turned indie folk artist, she didn’t even pick up a guitar until the age of 25. Music was initially just a way to process her thoughts, but now it’s become a powerful vehicle for connection and healing. With “Betty & Jesse,” she isn’t just telling a story—she’s reminding listeners that even when history feels inescapable, we still have the power to write a new ending.
“Rosemary Schultz’s ‘Betty & Jesse’ is a cinematic folk tale that’s as haunting as it is empowering—a raw reminder of generational cycles and the courage it takes to break them
