Iris Dement is Workin’ on a World, and We’re the Better for It

Singer-songwriter Iris Dement has released seven albums since 1990, including her latest, Workin’ on a World. Her songs sometimes juxtapose heavy lyrics with upbeat music, letting the listener feel energized while contemplating the difficulties of life. While she doesn’t see herself as a political singer songwriter, her lyrics engage with the politics of the times, like “How many more people of color are we gonna let be gunned down by police/How many more perpetrators are we gonna sit back and watch walk free?

She’s had many memorable duets, especially with John Prine, including their song “In Spite of Ourselves,” a clever lyrical triumph that you should quickly listen to if you haven’t heard it before. Then, get tickets to see her with Six String Concerts on May 16.