A Duet That Feels Like a Cry for Help Kelly Clarkson & Jelly Roll Pour Their Hearts Into “I Am Not Okay”
I Am Not Okay — Kelly Clarkson & Jelly Roll is a compelling performance that blends two of the best in a very emotional duet. Their raw, heart wrenching delivery makes the song’s message hit home, letting on the sense of being lost and broken. Jelly Roll’s gravelly voice holds the burden of past pain, and Clarkson’s angelic high notes add an element of strength and perseverance. Combined, they build a moment that feels personal yet universal.
The song dives into the struggle of putting on a brave face while battling demons within. Every line shares a romance and a fight, so hearing these verses is always relatable. With the chemistry that Jelly Roll and Clarkson have while doing so, they’re making a statement — as if they are talking to everyone who has felt this at some point in their life.
What makes the song so striking is the truthfulness in their voices. There is no consolation of pain here — just raw emotion exposed. The soft instrumentals gradually crescendo, which reflects the intensity of crashing and attempting to surface once more. It’s a song that doesn’t merely tell a story but has the listener feel every word.
That same deep emotion makes its way onto Really Gone, another soul-stirring track by Jelly Roll with Russ. Whereas I Am Not Okay addresses the issue of struggling in the present, Really Gone explores loss and longing. The haunting melody and heartfelt lyrics evoke images of a beloved person in a void. And with Jelly Roll’s sorrowful sound, every lyric hits that much harder.