Kane Brown and Jelly Roll Explore the Paradox of Success with “Haunted”
In the world of country music, some of the most poignant tracks come from an unflinching, raw honesty. That’s exactly what Kane Brown and Jelly Roll deliver with their collaboration on “Haunted.” The song is not only a deep dive into the complexities of fame and success, but also a reflection of the personal journey both artists have taken.
For years, the two artists circled around each other in the same music scene but never truly connected. Brown even thought Jelly Roll might “hate” him. However, once they met, they discovered they shared a lot more in common than they initially realized: a similar past, mutual respect, and an unexpected bond that turned into a friendship.
“Haunted,” track eight on Brown’s latest album The High Road, begins with him listing the trappings of fame — “California king beds,” “diamond ring set,” “Maserati sports car” — items that are often seen as symbols of success. However, despite all these material luxuries, Brown confesses to a deeper emptiness that’s hard to shake: “I still got this feeling in my bones… Part of me is feelin’ like a ghost.”
Jelly Roll’s verse cuts through this glossy image of wealth, diving into the hollow reality of success. His lyrics explore the paradox of how money and fame can often intensify internal struggles rather than resolve them. “If I’m bein’ real, I spent my whole life escapin’ the pills / If I’m bein’ real, I think I was happier when I couldn’t pay the bills,” Jelly Roll sings, his voice laced with weariness.
Known for his deeply personal music that touches on addiction, pain, and redemption, Jelly Roll has built his career on confronting life’s struggles head-on. “Haunted” is another chapter in that narrative, but this time, Brown steps into a more vulnerable space, showing his own capacity for raw storytelling. While Brown is often associated with smooth, radio-friendly hits, here he embraces the grittier side of country music with honesty and authenticity.
Following the release of The High Road, Kane Brown will hit the road for his High Road Tour, with special guests Scotty McCreery, Mitchell Tenpenny, Ashley Cooke, and Dasha. Brown’s live performances will give fans the chance to experience the new material and see him explore his musical evolution.
Meanwhile, Jelly Roll is gearing up for the Canadian leg of his Beautifully Broken tour, where he’ll perform across more than 10 cities, continuing to build on the success of his deeply personal music.