The Weight of the Woods Lyrics & Tracklist – Dermot Kennedy
Album Overview
The Weight of the Woods is the third studio album by Irish singer-songwriter Dermot Kennedy, scheduled for release on March 27, 2026, via Island/Interscope Records. This record follows his 2022 album Sonder and continues Kennedy’s exploration of deeply personal narratives rooted in his Irish heritage and introspective songwriting style. The album’s production was led by Gabe Simon, known for his work with artists such as Noah Kahan and Lana Del Rey. It was written and recorded across sessions in both Ireland and Nashville, reflecting a blend of cultural influences and musical textures. The Weight of the Woods is described as an organic synthesis of traditional folk elements with contemporary singer-songwriter sensibilities, incorporating acoustic instrumentation, Irish folk textures, and subtle hints of country influence.
With themes of hope, grief, reflection, and the interplay between darkness and light, the album places Kennedy’s voice and lyrical craft at the forefront of its sound, often favoring stripped-back arrangements that emphasize emotional resonance. It serves as both a continuation of his artistic journey and a return to roots that informed his earliest work. The lead single “Funeral” premiered ahead of the album and has been featured on prominent radio platforms.
Release Information
Release Date: March 27, 2026
Label: Island / Interscope Records
Producer: Gabe Simon
Recording Locations: Ireland and Nashville studios
Musical Style and Themes
The musical style of The Weight of the Woods bridges Kennedy’s established folk and singer-songwriter roots with expanded sonic elements drawn from traditional instrumentation and modern production techniques. Across the record, listeners can expect a focus on lyrical storytelling, atmospheric acoustic arrangements, and the use of organic sound textures. Folk instruments such as uilleann pipes and bodhrán feature alongside guitar, piano, and subtle electronic elements to create a sound that feels both intimate and expansive.
Lyrically, the album delves into introspection, confronting themes such as resilience, loss, faith, and cultural identity. Kennedy’s songwriting draws inspiration from personal experiences and landscapes familiar to him, often evoking a sense of place and emotional continuity that aligns with his Irish roots.
Full Tracklist
The standard edition of The Weight of the Woods comprises 14 tracks as follows:
1. The Weight of the Woods (Reprise)
2. Honest
3. Refuge
4. Funeral
5. Endless
6. Sycamore
7. Often, Lately
8. Turnstile
9. Wasted
10. Blue Eyes
11. Trepidation
12. The Only Time I Prayed
13. Happiness
14. The Weight of the Woods
Credits and Personnel
Primary Artist / Vocalist: Dermot Kennedy
Songwriters: Dermot Kennedy contributed to the writing of the majority of the tracks. Additional songwriting credits on the lead single “Funeral” include Aldae, Carrie K, and Gabe Simon, who also produced the track and much of the album’s material.
Producer: Gabe Simon
Instrumentation: Traditional and acoustic instruments feature throughout, including contributions from session musicians. The album incorporates Irish folk instrumentation and arrangements recorded in both Ireland and Nashville.
Recording Locations: Studio near Dermot Kennedy’s home in Ireland and Gabe Simon’s studio in Nashville.
No featured vocalists or additional lead singers have been publicly confirmed in available release information as of this writing; all tracks are performed by Dermot Kennedy.


