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In the world of music, unexpected collaborations often lead to exciting results, andJelly Rolland Machine Gun Kelly (MGK) have certainly delivered with their latest track, “Lonely Road.”
The song creatively borrows the melody fromJohn Denver’s classic “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” giving it a fresh twist with new lyrics.
With the help of talented writers, including Travis Barker, the duo has crafted a heartfelt tune that’s currently climbing its way into the Top 20 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.
Keep reading for more details!
MGK and Jelly Roll Reimagine John Denver’s Classic in “Lonely Road”
Over five decades after John Denver’s iconic “Take Me Home, Country Roads” was first released, Machine Gun Kelly and Jelly Roll have reimagined the beloved track with their new single, “Lonely Road.”
Unlike the countless covers of the original, this version brings a fresh perspective, telling the emotional story of a man whose life has unraveled.
The chorus reflects his longing for answers and closure, singing, “Lonely road take me home / To the place where we went wrong.”
MGK revealed on Twitter that the song took two years, eight studios, and four countries to perfect before its release.
Though the reasons for the extended process remain unclear, the result is aheartfelttrack that gives Denver’s classic a modern twist, resonating with listeners in a profound way.
From Rivals to Collaborators: Jelly Roll and MGK’s Journey
A few years ago, Jelly Roll and MGK had a rocky relationship, but as time passed, they resolved their differences and came together to collaborate on a song.
Theirrelationshiphas transformed from rivalry to friendship.
In the early 2010s, both artists, then white rappers in a competitive industry, harbored jealousy toward each other, which sparked a feud.
Jelly Roll’s 2012 track “Malibu’s Most Wanted” was seen as a diss toward MGK, but over time, they reconciled.
On Jelly Roll’s podcast, they reflected on the industry pressure and how a sincere apology from Jelly Roll helped mend their relationship.
This led to their collaboration on the hit song “Lonely Road,” which also won the 2024People’s ChoiceCountry Award for Best Crossover Song.
Their live performance not only showcased their unique musical chemistry but also introduced their new sound to a broader audience.
The blend of Jelly Roll’s emotive storytelling and MGK’s energetic style creates a powerful dynamic that resonates with listeners.
For fans of both artists, this performance was a significantmoment, especially considering their history of feuding, which they’ve now happily put behind them to embrace a new friendship.
Despite the excitement surrounding “Lonely Road,” not everyone is thrilled about the new release.
A concerned country fan, who goes by “Karen” onsocial media, took to X to voice her apprehensions.
In her post, she questioned how long it would take for Jelly Roll and MGK to face legal trouble for their song sounding too similar to Denver’s iconic hit.
She seemed genuinely worried about the duo’s financial future, and hercommentssparked a bit of buzz online.
Jelly Roll’s Calm Response
Jelly Roll, known for his laid-back attitude and sense ofhumor, wasted no time in addressing Karen’s concerns.
In a cheeky response, he reassured fans that they had cleared everything with the John Denver estate, stating,“They love our interpolation of the song. I appreciate your legal advice though, Karen.”
His witty retort not only put “Legal Karen” in her place but also emphasized that they had done their homework before releasing the song.
It shows that artists often navigate a complex landscape of legalities, and Jelly Roll and MGK have handled theirs with grace.
MGK Expresses Gratitude
During the People’s ChoiceCountry Awards, MGK further expressed his gratitude to the John Denver family for their support of “Lonely Road.”
His heartfelt acknowledgment showcased a deep respect for the legacy of the original song, highlighting the collaborative spirit that music fosters.
It’s worth noting that some of the songwriters behind Denver’s classic are also credited on Jelly Roll and MGK’s new track.
This connection not only legitimizes their effort but also reinforces the idea that music is often a communal experience, built upon the foundations laid by those who came before.
What’s Next for Jelly Roll and MGK?
As fans eagerly await Jelly Roll’s upcoming album,Beautifully Broken, set to drop on October 11, they are left wondering if “Lonely Road” will make the final cut.
Thisalbumpromises to be a showcase of Jelly Roll’s range, blending his unique style with influences from various genres.
Additionally, in recent interviews, MGK has hinted at a desire to delve deeper into country music, expressing appreciation for how the genre has made space for him.
With “Lonely Road” gaining traction, it’s exciting to think about how this collaboration could pave the way for more genre-blending projects in the future.
Source: Instagram/machinegunkelly
Jelly Roll’sBeautifully BrokenSet to Make a Major Impact
Jelly Roll is set to release his latest studio album,Beautifully Broken, on October 11, 2024.
Net profits from pre-orders will go to mental health and addiction support organizations, including Folds of Honor, Wounded Warrior Project, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, and Shatterproof.
The album includes singles like “I Am Not Okay,” “Liar,” “Get By,” and “Burning.”
“Get By” was chosen as ESPN’s anthem for the 2024 College Football season, and “Liar” was WWE’s theme for SummerSlam, where Jelly Roll also performed.
With this project, Jelly Roll emphasizes purpose over profit, aiming to make a positive difference while using his platform to connect with others through meaningful music.
John Denver’s Biography Overview
Category
Details
Full Name
Henry John Deutschendorf Jr.
Stage Name
John Denver
Date of Birth
December 31, 1943
Place of Birth
Roswell, New Mexico, U.S.
Date of Death
October 12, 1997
Place of Death
Monterey Bay, California, U.S.
Genres
Country, Folk, Pop
Occupation
Singer-Songwriter, Actor, Activist
Instruments
Vocals, Guitar, Piano
Years Active
1962–1997
Famous Songs
“Take Me Home, Country Roads,” “Annie’s Song,” “Rocky Mountain High”
Major Albums
Poems, Prayers & Promises(1971),Back Home Again(1974),Windsong(1975)
Awards
Grammy Award, Country Music Association (CMA) Entertainer of the Year
Legacy
Known for promoting environmental and humanitarian causes; major influence in country and folk music
This table summarizes key details of John Denver’s life and career
Final Thoughts
Though “Karen” raised concerns about the similarity between “Lonely Road” and John Denver’s classic, Jelly Roll’s confident response—and MGK’s gratitude toward the Denver family—show this collaboration was built on respect for the original song.
By blending genres and honoring musical legacies, Jelly Roll and MGK have created something fresh and unique.
The success of “Lonely Road” proves that great music can transcend boundaries, bringing together different styles.
This track may be just the start of more genre-crossing collaborations, and it’s exciting to imagine what else these two artists might have in store.
After all, when artists come together to create, they not only entertain but also inspire fans to embrace the beauty of collaboration.
Last Updated: October 4, 2024
