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ToggleWho sings save me with Jelly Roll?
Lainey Wilson sings Save Me with Jelly Roll. The female country singer also sings many other songs with other rappers and country music artists.
Jelly Roll and Lainey Wilson found common ground in their shared country music experiences in the song ‘Save Me.’
The down chorus is a popular production technique in modern music, often discussed within creative circles. In ‘jelly roll’s’ song ‘Save Me’, the down chorus is used to convey a moment of deep emotional pain and honesty, highlighting the song’s success in reaching across different music genres.
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In many songs, such as Dan + Shay’s “Speechless,” Michael Ray’s “Whiskey and Rain,” and Lainey Wilson’s “Heart Like a Truck,” the instrumental energy drops during the third refrain to allow the chorus and listener to continue singing before the big finale.
Kylie Morgan discusses her new song, ‘Two Night Stands’ on Country Radio with Jelly Roll’s beats
In the song “Save Me” by Jelly Roll, the down chorus is taken to another level with lyrics expressing being a lost cause and damaged beyond repair.
Jelly Roll prioritizes connection and honesty in his songwriting. He believes in the power of songs that speak honestly about difficult experiences, as they can provide a sense of connection. During the pandemic in June 2020, Jelly Roll felt a strong need for connection and decided it was time for new music. He booked some studio time in Nashville and started working on what would become the Self Medicated album. Songwriter-producer David Ray joined in and casually played some chords during breaks in the recording process.
The songwriter recalls sitting and playing guitar while his bandmates were on their phones. He started playing a song that caught their attention, leading to the creation of “Save Me,” which became a heartfelt confession about his son and struggles with vices.
The individual recognized the unsustainable nature of their lifestyle and made personal changes as a result. Although they have made positive life changes, they acknowledge that they are still a work in progress.
The song started with long phrases that reflected his troubled state, then shifted to a faster pace with mentions of drinking and smoking in a repetitive prechorus. The chorus had a more uplifting melody, with Jelly Roll admitting to being a “lost cause.” They initially wrote four lines for the chorus, but decided to repeat them for the second verse and half instead of introducing new lyrics.
Ray recalled bringing up a point, but the other person felt strongly about repeating certain lines for emphasis. Jelly Roll explained that sometimes people need to hear something multiple times to truly understand its importance. They added a simple melody to lighten the mood before continuing with the second half of the song. The second verse talked about emptiness and coping with alcohol. The pre-chorus and chorus were repeated to drive the message home. No positive outcome was mentioned.
The recording was done promptly, with Ray playing a bit of a melodic guitar part while Jelly Roll delivered the raw, emotional truth. Although there were some imperfections in Jelly Roll’s singing – such as pitchiness and inconsistent use of diaphragmatic support – his performance effectively portrayed the depth of his emotions.
Jelly Roll discussed the praise from Billboard regarding George Jones’ vocal on the song, joking about making it a quote. A live studio version was later recorded for YouTube, featuring Stu Stapleton on piano. The song was initially titled differently before being released as “Save Me.” The track and production, including vocals by Jelly Roll, Ray, and Robin Raynelle, went on to become certified platinum by the RIAA.
After signing with Broken Bow, Jelly Roll collaborated with duet partner Wilson on a country rendition. Producer Zach Crowell was brought in to help with the project, and the slow-build arrangement from his concert performance of “Save Me” provided a clear direction for the song.
Crowell explains that the song was already a hit for Jelly Roll and had made a significant impact on his life. Philcox-Littlefield added subtle, ethereal sounds to enhance the texture, while Saxman waited until the second chorus to fully engage, emphasizing the despondency in Jelly Roll’s lyrics. Crowell notes that they intentionally kept some imperfections from the original guitar part by David Ray to maintain the authenticity of the song. Wilson recorded her vocal with both Crowell and Jelly Roll’s side present in the studio, creating a supportive and enthusiastic atmosphere. Their version was released on digital platforms on May 11, ahead of the Whitsitt Chapel album, and received positive feedback. The song was performed on NBC’s Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular, and country radio began playing it before the promotion department officially started promoting it to a new audience.
Wilson praises Jelly for sharing his personal journey through his music and creating a safe space for fans. The song has resonated with a wide audience, transcending genres. It is currently at No. 26 on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart and No. 7 on Hot Country Songs. The song has also been nominated for a Country Music Association Award for musical event of the year. Jelly Roll’s raw and honest lyrics in the “down chorus” have connected with listeners and motivated him to address the issues it brings to light.
The impact of the song “Save Me” on many people inspired him to make necessary lifestyle changes, leading to a significant transformation in his life.
The film “Jelly Roll: Save Me” consists of performance footage, interview footage, and behind-the-scenes shots. I would sum up the documentary in two words: unvarnished and honest. The artist doesn’t hide from his previous transgressions. He often expresses amazement at how far he has gone. It’s refreshing to me when a celebrity admits their flaws, even the ones they continue to battle with.
In the movie, Jelly Roll declares, “I’m the one dude that’s just singing songs of the broken.” “I am able to speak on behalf of others who are sad, agitated, nervous, and addicted because this community has given me permission to do so. All I’m doing is recording my observations and knowledge. I used drugs as a drug addict. I’ve performed poorly. I was a pilferer.
It makes sense that “Son of a Sinner” be the opening song in the documentary. The Hot Rock and Alternative Songs chart included the country rock tune for 20 weeks. The song describes how a “long-haired son of a sinner” battles addiction and God’s punishment:
Perhaps take a medication, smoke, and drink.
Speak with God and express my thoughts to Him.
He will initially despise me.
But He will deliver me someday.
Born and raised in Nashville, Jelly Roll roamed the streets with the wrong crew from a very early age. Jelly experimented with harder narcotics by the time he was fifteen years old. He was incarcerated for a large portion of his early years because of that life. Finding out he had a daughter while incarcerated was a turning point in his life. He made the decision to change and pursue music.
In the movie, Jelly Roll states, “I just hope that people judge the music and not the man.” “I no longer suffer from a fatal addiction to codeine or painkillers. I’m free of my fatal cocaine addiction. I do sometimes get blackout drunk, however, and I still consume a little marijuana to keep my mind clear. We sometimes get up to crazy things.
Despite being a rising star in the country music industry, his sound blends several genres. It has elements of gospel, rap, rock, and soul. Given that Jelly has a large cross tattooed behind his right eye, it is not unexpected that many of his songs discuss God or spirituality.
Jelly breaks down in tears after speaking about his father, a churchgoer, in a YouTube interview. Because his father was a devoted member of a Methodist church, Jelly would get a lot of knowledge about duty and responsibility. Jelly remembers the hundreds of people from the church and bar he frequented attending his father’s burial.