Isabelle Gitlin — “Running Circles”

Some songs don’t try to solve the feeling they’re describing — they simply sit with it. Isabelle Gitlin’s “Running Circles” lives in that space.

The Boston-based songwriter leans into vulnerability here, unpacking the quiet spiral of comparison and self-doubt that can so easily take hold when life feels stagnant. Rather than dramatizing the moment, Gitlin approaches it with honesty and restraint, allowing the emotional weight of the lyrics to carry the song forward.

The production remains intentionally understated, built around soft acoustic textures and a spacious arrangement that leaves room for the storytelling to breathe. It’s a delicate balance — one that allows the intimacy of the writing to remain the focal point throughout the track.

Gitlin’s vocal performance feels both reflective and steady, guiding the listener through the song’s emotional terrain without ever forcing its impact. There’s a sense of quiet understanding in the delivery, as if the song itself is offering a moment of recognition for anyone who has found themselves stuck in the same mental loop.

What makes “Running Circles” resonate is its honesty. The experience it describes — looking outward for answers while questioning your own path — is deeply human, and Gitlin captures that feeling with remarkable clarity.

For its thoughtful songwriting, emotional sincerity, and understated strength, “Running Circles” is our Song of the Week on Everyday Jams.