Jelly Roll has once again found a collaborative musical partner, linking up MGK after recently guesting on a Falling In Reverse song. The pair have come together for a re-imagining of John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” and even named-dropped an emo act in the lyrics.
The two have taken the melody of the classic track and turned it into a new song titled “Lonely Road.” The two released their collab on Friday (July 26).
“Lonely Road” tells the story of a man whose life seems to be crashing down all around him. He reminisces on the moments that were good, but is left to walk this life alone, wondering how everything fell apart.
READ MORE: 12 Rock + Country Collaborations That Go Hard
“Lonely road take me home / To the place where we went wrong / Where’d you go now?/ It’s been a ghost town / And I’m still here / All alone,” they sing in the chorus.
Earlier in the track, MGK sings, “I’ma go downtown / Ain’t been in a long time / I’m taking back Sundays / Since you took away my life,” serving up a subtle nod to emo darlings Taking Back Sunday.
MGK also mentions “the devil wears Prada,” but unfortunately was not referring to the metalcore band of the same name.
The pair released a music video for the track that they both star in with their significant others. MGK has been in a relationship with actress Megan Fox since 2020 (the two also called off their engagement earlier this year), while Jelly Roll and his wife Bunnie Xo have been married for eight years.
MGK + Jelly Roll, “Lonely Road” Music Video
MGK’s Interest in Country Music
Earlier this summer, Jelly Roll stopped by the Taste of Country Nights studio to chat with Evan Paul, a sister radio program of Loudwire Nights. At the time he said he was in the studio with MGK, but wasn’t willing to go into details.
Speculation surrounding MGK possibly making a move to country music began earlier this summer when he performed at CMA Fest 2024. He took the stage at the Spotify House, performing with Jelly Roll and even covering The Chicks’ “There’s Your Trouble.” His stripped down, acoustic rendition is a stark contrast from the punk rock music he usually puts out.
Then he tried his hand at covering Zach Bryan’s “Sun to Me” and shared the live recording on YouTube. Fans were excited to hear his version of the track.
“Dude is fire in every genre. He’s not just a rapper, he’s a true artist,” one person writes.
“Proof that MGK is one of the most versatile artists he can do rock rap and now country,” another chimes in.
Someone also typed, “He is the definition of what a man can be when he tries to push his boundaries, finely crafted”
MGK, “Sun To Me” (Zach Bryan Cover)
The Best Rock + Metal Albums of 2024 (So Far)
Loudwire’s writers recap the best rock and metal albums of the year so far. See which of your favorites are here!
Contributing Authors: Jordan Blum, Rob Carroll, Chad Childers, Joe DiVita, John Hill, Lauryn Schaffner
Gallery Credit: Loudwire Staff