I Am Not Okay — Jelly Roll Lyrics

Song Facts:

• Genre: Country, Ballad
• Producer: Zach Crowell
• Writers: Jelly Roll, Ashley Gorley, Casey Brown, Taylor Phillips
• Release Date: June 12, 2024

Artist Information:

Jelly Roll (born Jason DeFord) is an American rapper and vocalist recognized for his sincere lyrics and raw, emotional delivery. Jelly Roll is from Nashville, Tennessee, and began his music career in hip-hop before branching out into country and rock. His music frequently explores themes of suffering, addiction, and redemption, which resonate strongly with people who have encountered similar struggles. Jelly Roll's unusual style and ability to merge genres have gained him a wide following and critical acclaim. His collaborations with other artists, such Struggle Jennings and Lil Wyte, demonstrate his versatility. He has released multiple albums and mixtapes over the years, cementing his reputation as a prominent voice in current music.

Annotations and Interpretation of I Am Not Okay:

The song begins with a blunt admission of difficulty. The musician admits that he is "not okay" and is barely making it through each day. This conveys a sense of vulnerability and honesty.

I am not okay
I'm barely getting by

These lines reflect the universal experience of feeling overwhelmed and struggling to cope. The mention of "losing track of days" and "losing sleep at night" emphasizes the depth of his turmoil.

I know I can't be the only one
Who's holding on for dear life

In the chorus, Jelly Roll acknowledges that he is not alone in his struggle. This line offers a sense of solidarity to listeners who might be feeling similarly, reinforcing the message that it's okay to not be okay. The second verse delves deeper into the singer's mental state. He describes waking up with a heavy heart and feeling burdened by negative thoughts. The reference to the "devil on my back" and "voices in my head" symbolizes internal battles and the constant fight against dark thoughts.

I woke up today
I almost stayed in bed

These lyrics highlight the difficulty of facing each new day when weighed down by mental health issues. The admission that "some days it all gets worse" adds to the song's authenticity and relatability. The bridge offers a glimmer of hope, suggesting that there will be a time when pain is washed away and things get better.

The pain'll wash away
In a holy water tide

This imagery evokes a sense of cleansing and renewal, implying that despite current struggles, there is potential for healing and improvement.