“Haunted” by Kane Brown and Jelly Roll is a poignant song that delves into themes of mental health, depression, and the struggles of fame. The lyrics candidly explore the artists’ personal battles with suicidal thoughts and the emptiness that can accompany success.
Kane Brown’s verse contrasts his luxurious lifestyle with feelings of emptiness, while Jelly Roll’s verse touches on substance abuse and the disillusionment of wealth.
The song is a powerful anthem that sheds light on the often-hidden struggles of mental health, offering a raw and emotional journey through the artists’ introspective narratives.
In this article, we’ll explore the message conveyed in the song’s lyrics.
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“Haunted” Lyrics Meaning
[Verse 1: Kane Brown]
Wakin’ up in cold sweats
California king beds
Got the diamond ring set
Shoes that ain’t released yet
Maserati sports car
Singin’ songs that everybody knows on a guitar
They say I’m a superstar
Kane Brown describes the trappings of success – expensive beds, jewelry, cars, and fame. However, despite these luxuries, he still feels empty and haunted by his thoughts.
[Pre-Chorus: Kane Brown]
But oh (Oh)
I still got this feeling in my bones (Bone)
Happens every time that I’m alone
Part of me is feelin’ like a ghost, oh-woah
The pre-chorus emphasizes the loneliness and disconnection he feels, likening himself to a ghost.
[Chorus: Kane Brown]
‘Cause I’m haunted by the voice in my head
I’m haunted by the taste of that lead
I wanted too many times to jump off of the edge
Thinkin’ I was better off dead
I’m haunted only ever other night
I’m haunted and I wish I knew why
I wanted too many times to be gone by the mornin’
If I’m honest
Yeah, I’m haunted
Woah, yeah
Yeah, I’m haunted (I’m haunted)
The chorus is particularly striking, with both artists admitting to experiencing suicidal thoughts. The line “haunted by the taste of that lead” likely refers to contemplating suicide by firearm. They express a desire to “jump off the edge” and feeling “better off dead,” highlighting the severity of their mental health struggles.
[Verse 2: Jelly Roll]
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
If I’m bein’ real (If I’m bein’ real)
I’m searchin’ for purpose
I feel wealthy but worthless
If I’m bein’ real
I don’t know if it’s worth it
Jelly Roll’s verse introduces themes of substance abuse and the paradox of wealth bringing unhappiness. He suggests that he was happier before fame and money, now feeling “wealthy but worthless” and questioning if his current life is worth the struggle.
[Bridge: Kane Brown]
If I’m bein’ real
I spent my whole life escapin’ the pills
If I’m bein’ real
If I’m bein’ real
The bridge reinforces the themes of substance abuse and mental health struggles.
[Outro: Kane Brown]
Haunted
Haunted
Haunted
Haunted
Haunted
The repeated use of “haunted” in the outro emphasizes the persistent nature of these thoughts and feelings.
Deeper Meaning Behind “Haunted”
Kane Brown and Jelly Roll’s collaboration “Haunted” delves into the profound and often hidden struggles with mental health, particularly depression, that can affect anyone regardless of their success or status. Released on January 24, 2025, as part of Brown’s fourth studio album “The High Road,” the song serves as a raw and honest exploration of the artists’ personal battles with dark thoughts and suicidal ideation.
The song’s lyrics paint a vivid picture of the contrast between external success and internal turmoil. Brown begins by describing the trappings of fame and fortune – “California king beds” and “diamond ring sets” – only to reveal that these material comforts do nothing to alleviate the haunting voices in his head. This juxtaposition highlights the often misunderstood nature of depression, emphasizing that it can affect anyone, even those who seem to have it all.
The chorus of “Haunted” is particularly poignant, with both artists admitting to thoughts of suicide and feeling “better off dead”. This level of vulnerability in mainstream country music is noteworthy, as it breaks down stigmas surrounding mental health discussions. By sharing their experiences so openly, Brown and Jelly Roll create a space for listeners to feel less alone in their own struggles, potentially encouraging them to seek help or support.
The collaboration itself adds another layer of meaning to the song. Initially, Jelly Roll reportedly “hated” Brown, but through reaching out and building a friendship, they were able to come together to create this powerful track. This backstory serves as a metaphor for the importance of connection and understanding in overcoming personal demons and misconceptions about others.
Ultimately, “Haunted” stands as a testament to the ongoing battle many face with depression and suicidal thoughts. It serves not only as an artistic expression but also as a tool for raising awareness about mental health issues. By sharing their stories through music, Kane Brown and Jelly Roll contribute to a larger conversation about mental health in the country music community and beyond, potentially helping listeners feel less isolated in their own struggles.
Jacob Carter is a lyricist. He created the lyrics writing course to teach people how to analyze and write lyrics. He graduated from the University of Oxford with a degree in English Literature, so he’s skilled at playing with words.
He’s also an amateur guitarist, which means he knows music and melody very well. With this background, he’s a great lyricist you can rely on to learn writing lyrics.