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At 75, I Am Not Okay. Are you?

A New Year’s sing along with reality

Rand Bishop
Crow’s Feet: Life As We Age

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Lauren-Michael Sellers, The Voice Playoffs, Screen capture from YouTube, by the author

Everybody asks “How ya doin’?” but for damn sure

Nobody half expects to hear an honest answer

— From “Listening,” lyric by Rand Bishop © 2019 Weightless Cargo Music, BMI

I had heard Jelly Roll’s original version of his song “I’m Not Okay” a couple of times. While the lyrics certainly packed universal appeal, I found the singer’s performance atypically stiff, robotic, and emotionally detached, which, somehow, for me, muted the impact of his composition.

Believe me, I’m a Jelly Roll fan. I find his story and persona fascinating. I love the guy’s voice — especially on his megahit “I Need a Favor.”

Too, of all of Toby Keith’s #1 hits — 20, in total — Jelly Roll chose to perform “My List” (composed by Yours Truly, with Tim James) on the primetime NBC special honoring the late country superstar. (Sadly, Keith succumbed to stomach cancer at 62 in February, 2024.)

Watching and listening to one of music’s most happening and highly regarded talents render my song on primetime network TV — well, I’ve never been prouder to be a songwriter. And, I’ll be forever grateful to Jelly Roll for that.

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