At the 2024 Billboard Music Awards, Jelly Roll turns in a devastating performance of the chorus of I Am Not Okay, a song so relatable that while watching, you’ll cry and recall how much you’ve struggled with mental health issues and how you’ve questioned your worth. His searing, torn voice makes every lyric land hard with pain and frankness. The slow, haunting melody sets the tone for a song that speaks to anyone who’s ever been lost or lonely.
The lyrics of the song describe a person who is just holding on and trying to persuade the world that they are OK while they are fighting their own battles. Jelly Roll’s delivery is laced with vulnerability, and the performance feels lushly intimate. As he shares his deepest struggles, every word seems heavy with reflection, and there is something cathartic about it for the listener; it feels intimate and naked, if not sacred.
Jelly Roll – I Am Not Okay (2024 Billboard Music Awards)
The power of I Am Not Okay is in its message — it’s OK to be not OK. That’s not just sharing the pain; it’s reassuring listeners that they’re not alone. The rawness in Jelly Roll’s voice, in concert with the emotional content of the lyrics, makes this one of his most heartfelt performances.
That same intensity and struggle persists in Burning, yet another highlight from his Beautifully Broken album. Where I Am Not Okay highlights the struggle of mental health. Burning goes deep into the agony of addiction and remorse. The song’s dark, brooding melody and desperate lyrics create the image of a person looking for a way out of their pain.
Jelly Roll – Burning (Official Audio)
Jelly Roll has the rare gift of transforming personal anguish into music that resonates with millions. His lyrics are not merely presents; they are narratives of recovering from a life of despair, of relationships, trials by fire, and reconciling despair through love. His blend of country, rock, and hip-hop creates a sound unlike any other and has allowed his music to resonate with fans of all genres.
Jelly Roll * social media and music streams can keep fans up to date on their journey; hence, it is recommended to follow him. In his music, he continues to demonstrate that vulnerability is strength and that healing starts when you voice your truth.