Moses
NASHVILLE, TN (September 2nd, 2026) – Bluegrass and Americana artist Rebekah Speer puts her own spirited stamp on “Moses,” the acclaimed song written by Patty Griffin, with a new bluegrass rendition that transforms the song’s smoldering intensity into an energetic, acoustic performance.
Originally appearing on Griffin’s 1996 debut album Living with Ghosts, “Moses” has long stood as an example of the celebrated songwriter’s ability to weave desire, vulnerability and striking imagery into a song that feels both intimate and universal. Thirty years after its original release, Speer approaches the song from a distinctly different musical direction leaning into the drive, harmony and instrumental energy of bluegrass while preserving the emotional core of Griffin’s writing.
“I’ve always loved songs that leave enough room for you to find yourself inside of them, and ‘Moses’ is one of those songs,” says Speer. “Patty Griffin is such an extraordinary songwriter. There’s an intensity in the lyric that immediately grabbed me, but I kept hearing the song differently in my head faster, driving and surrounded by bluegrass instrumentation and harmonies. I wanted to honor what she wrote without simply recreating what had already been done.”
The result is an uptempo, lively bluegrass interpretation that creates an unexpected contrast with the song’s lyrical imagery. Rather than attempting to imitate Griffin’s original recording, Speer allows “Moses” to live in an entirely new musical setting, demonstrating the adaptability of a great song across genres and generations.
The release continues a new chapter in Speer’s career as a recording artist following the success of “Needle in the Heart of West Virginia,” a powerful song addressing the human toll of the opioid epidemic. She followed with “Why Worry,” a more hopeful offering written by Rick Lang and Jeff Daugherty, further establishing a sound rooted in traditional bluegrass musicianship while remaining open to songs and influences beyond the genre’s conventional boundaries.
“Moses” may be the clearest example yet of that philosophy.
“For me, bluegrass has never been about putting walls around the music,” Speer adds. “A great song is a great song. Sometimes all it needs is a different perspective to show you something that was there all along.”
Beyond her work as an artist, Speer has built a multifaceted career throughout the bluegrass music industry. Her work behind the scenes has placed her alongside some of the genre’s most respected artists, while her return to recording has given her an opportunity to bring those years of musical experience back to the other side of the microphone.
With “Moses,” Speer bridges two musical worlds: the raw, evocative songwriting associated with Patty Griffin and the rhythmic drive, instrumental fire and vocal harmony of bluegrass.
“Moses” is available NOW to radio via Get It Played and will be available on all digital music streaming platforms on September 18th.