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Jelly Roll Racks Up First No. 1 Hit on Billboard’s Chart With “Dead Man Walking”

Jelly Roll - Dead Man Walking
by
  • Arden is a Senior Country Music Journalist for Country Thang Daily, specializing in classic hits and contemporary chart-toppers.
  • Prior to joining Country Thang Daily, Arden wrote for Billboard and People magazine, covering country music legends and emerging artists.
  • Arden holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Tennessee, with a minor in Music Studies.

Rapper turned country-rocker Jelly Roll earned his first leader on Billboard’s radio ranking after “Dead Man Walking” ranks No. 1 on the Mainstream Rock Airplay chart – where it spent two weeks.

Jelly Roll then took to social media to share and celebrate the great news, which was also his first-ever No. 1 as a songwriter. He called the song’s success one of the biggest feats in his whole life as well as in his music journey. The overjoyed artists then graciously thank fans for their endless support.

Jelly Roll co-wrote “Dead Man Walking” alongside songwriters Andrew Baylis and David Ray Stevens. It appeared on the Nashville native’s ten-track album, Ballads of the Brokenwhich highlights his personal struggles and battle with addiction.

“This album is the truth,” the artist said, adding his hope for fans to hear his heart out and to heal together through the album. Other songs by Jelly Roll found in the project are “Even Angels Cry,” “Over You,” and “Son Of A Sinner,” which swiftly climbed the country radio charts – reaching No. 8 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart.

Meaning Behind The Song

In the song, Jelly Roll finds himself in a relationship that’s bound to end. When he sees his lover standing in front of him, he knows she’s long been gone. He’s holding her hand, but she’s no longer holding on. And when he kisses her lips, it just doesn’t feel the same anymore. Now, when he’s a dead man, living with the blame.

“Already broken, already gone. Already know you’re moving on. I’m a breathing, talking, dead man, walking,” the song goes.

Make sure to play the video below to listen to “Dead Man Walking” by Jelly Roll.

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