Wild Ones (feat. Jelly Roll)

"Wild Ones" is a modern outlaw anthem that explores the magnetic attraction between two people who find solace and identity in a rebellious, thrill-seeking lifestyle. The song's core meaning revolves around the idea of finding a kindred spirit in someone who shares the same disregard for convention and a love for chaos. It’s a celebration of living life on one's own terms, even if those terms are dangerous and frowned upon by society. The lyrics portray a relationship that is not just romantic but is a partnership in defiance—a modern-day Bonnie and Clyde narrative where the protagonists are united by their shared recklessness and an 'us against the world' mentality. Jessie Murph has stated that the song originates from her personal attraction to "crazy things or chaos." It represents a departure from her typically more somber songs into something she described as "fun," "cool and different." The song delves into themes of finding freedom on the open road and living for the moment, unburdened by consequences because, as the lyrics suggest, they have 'nothing to lose.' Jelly Roll's verse deepens this meaning by grounding the abstract attraction in a real, protective love, referencing his wife Bunnie as his "Harley Quinn," symbolizing a love that thrives amidst chaos and is fiercely loyal. It speaks to a love that isn't just accepting of flaws and a dark past but is actively drawn to them, finding beauty and connection in the 'heartless' and the 'guarded.'

The song narrates a story of passionate and reckless love between two individuals who are drawn to a dangerous and chaotic lifestyle. The narrator, Jessie Murph, begins by describing her partner, a man who lives on the edge. He's depicted as someone who drives at high speeds, is always armed, and seems to have a devil-may-care attitude because he has nothing to lose. She openly admits her attraction to this type of person—the "wild ones"—who indulge in hard liquor, live for the night, and openly defy societal norms, symbolized by a 'middle finger to the sky'. This attraction is immediate and intense; she doesn't even need to know his name before claiming him as her own, indicating a deep, almost instinctual connection based on their shared wildness.

The chorus reinforces this theme, repeatedly stating her fascination with this man who is "wide, wide open," armed, and reckless. It's an acknowledgment that she not only accepts his wild nature but is actively drawn to it, suggesting that his untamed spirit is precisely what she desires. The repetition of "I got a thang for the wild ones" becomes a mantra, a declaration of her identity and preferences. She feels a sense of belonging with these kindred spirits, noting that "they like me too."

Jelly Roll's verse adds another layer to this narrative, providing a male perspective that mirrors Murph's. He confirms his own attraction to 'things that are really crazy' and directly references his wife, Bunnie, as his 'Harley Quinn,' a pop culture nod to a famously chaotic and loyal partnership. This comparison frames their love as a powerful, 'us against the world' dynamic. He speaks of being raised in darkness and being guarded, which explains his affinity for the 'heartless.' His verse is a pledge of loyalty and protection, asserting that if anyone threatens what is his, the consequences will be severe ('do or die'). He paints a picture of a life lived outside the lines, where they are fugitives from normalcy, prepared for any conflict and bound by a code that 'cowgirls don't cry.' Together, their verses create a modern-day Bonnie and Clyde tale, where love and danger are inextricably linked, and their bond is forged in their shared defiance and mutual understanding of their wild hearts.

"Wild Ones" was released on October 6, 2023, as a single from Jessie Murph's debut album, That Ain't No Man That's the Devil (2024). The song was written by Jessie Murph, Jelly Roll (Jason DeFord), Jeff "Gitty" Gitelman, Gregory "Aldae" Hein, and Feli Ferraro. Gitelman also produced the track. Murph revealed in an interview with Billboard that the song came together very quickly at the end of a long, unproductive studio session. She explained, "In the last 30 minutes, I remember Gitty played this guitar lick, and we ended up writing it super fast." The inspiration stemmed from Murph's self-professed attraction to "crazy things or chaos." The collaboration with Jelly Roll was a last-minute addition. Murph had initially planned to release the song solo. However, Jelly Roll heard the track and was immediately inspired, telling her, "I have a verse for this." Murph, already a huge fan of his, was thrilled. Their professional relationship had started when Jelly Roll invited Murph to perform a cover of "Simple Man" with him at one of his shows, after his daughter, a fan of Murph's, introduced him to her music. The artists began teasing the song on social media, with Murph first posting about it on TikTok on June 16, 2023, and they performed it live together before its official release, building significant anticipation among their fanbases.

The song's rhythmic and rhyming structure is straightforward yet effective, supporting its direct and rebellious theme. The rhythm is built on a strong hip-hop beat that gives the track a modern, driving feel, which Murph mentioned was a conscious choice to make it "a little bit more groovy." This beat is juxtaposed with country-style acoustic guitar licks, creating a compelling rhythmic tension that mirrors the song's genre fusion. The tempo is steady and mid-to-up-tempo, encouraging a head-nodding response that fits the 'on the road' narrative. The rhyme scheme is generally simple, often using couplets (AABB) and near rhymes, which enhances its sing-along, anthemic quality. For example, in Murph's verse, "ice" rhymes with "nights," and "window" with "sky" being a slant rhyme. This accessible structure makes the storytelling clear and impactful. The lyrical rhythm often follows the musical rhythm closely, with both artists delivering their lines in a cadence that aligns with the hip-hop influenced beat, particularly noticeable in Jelly Roll's rap-sung verse. This interplay creates a cohesive and memorable track where the lyrical message and musical feel are perfectly aligned.

"Wild Ones" is defined by its genre-blending and distinct vocal performances.

• Genre Fusion: The track seamlessly combines elements of country, hip-hop, and pop. The instrumentation features a "boom-bap country backdrop" with "jangly acoustic guitar samples" layered over a hip-hop beat, creating a unique sonic landscape. This hybrid approach is central to the styles of both Jessie Murph and Jelly Roll.
• Vocal Delivery: Both artists employ raw, emotive vocal styles that enhance the song's authenticity. Jessie Murph's delivery has a gritty, raspy quality that conveys both vulnerability and defiance. Jelly Roll transitions smoothly between a melodic, singing croon and a tight rap verse, a hallmark of his versatile style. His voice is noted for its "ascending rasp" and semi-baritone delivery that adds weight and sincerity to his lyrics.
• Narrative Storytelling: The lyrics unfold as a narrative, with each artist contributing a verse that builds a shared story. Murph sets the scene and describes her attraction, while Jelly Roll responds with his own perspective and pledge of loyalty, creating a conversational duet.
• Pop Culture References: The use of "Harley Quinn" as a reference is a contemporary stylistic choice that makes the outlaw theme relatable to a modern audience, connecting their story to a well-known narrative of chaotic love and partnership.

"Wild Ones" has had a significant cultural impact since its release, primarily by solidifying its place within the burgeoning country-rap crossover movement. The song was a commercial success, peaking at number 35 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking Murph's highest-charting single to date. It also received two nominations at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards for Best Pop Collaboration and PUSH Performance of The Year. The song's success was amplified by heavy promotion on social media platforms like TikTok, where both artists teased the track for months, generating over 230 million views before its release. This viral marketing strategy highlights the importance of social media in contemporary music promotion. The collaboration was also a pivotal moment for both artists' careers, showcasing Murph's genre-bending versatility and further cementing Jelly Roll's status as a cross-genre star who is successful in rock, rap, and country circles. The duo performed the song on major platforms like Jimmy Kimmel Live! and Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve, bringing the track to a wide national audience and further popularizing the country-rap sound.

The song is rich with symbolism and metaphors that construct its outlaw narrative.

• "Wild Ones": This central motif represents more than just rebellious individuals; it symbolizes a tribe of outsiders who live by their own rules, unbound by societal expectations. They are kindred spirits who find freedom in chaos and danger.
• Bonnie and Clyde / Harley Quinn: Jelly Roll's reference to his wife Bunnie as his "Harley Quinn" is a significant modern metaphor. It updates the classic "Bonnie and Clyde" archetype of a ride-or-die couple. While Bonnie and Clyde evoke a sense of tragic romance and crime, the Joker and Harley Quinn dynamic adds a layer of shared madness, psychological complexity, and unbreakable loyalty in a chaotic world ("living in Gotham").
• The Open Road and High Speed: Driving at "'bout a hundred and two" symbolizes a life lived in the fast lane, a reckless pursuit of freedom, and an escape from the mundane or painful aspects of life. It is a physical manifestation of their disregard for rules and safety.
• ".45 on him": The mention of a firearm is a direct symbol of danger, power, and a life lived outside the law. It establishes the serious, high-stakes nature of their outlaw lifestyle and their readiness to defend their world.
• "Raised in the darkness": This phrase, used by Jelly Roll, is a metaphor for a difficult past filled with hardship. It serves as an explanation for his 'guarded' nature and his attraction to the 'heartless,' suggesting that their wildness is a product of their past traumas and a form of self-preservation.

The most significant recurring motif in "Wild Ones" is the titular phrase itself. The line, "I got a thing for the wild ones," is repeated multiple times in the post-chorus by Jessie Murph, acting as the song's central thesis and memorable hook. Its repetition drills home the core theme of attraction to danger, rebellion, and untamed personalities. It's not just a passing thought but a fundamental part of her identity. The phrase is often followed by variations like "it's like he knew" and "they like me too," which reinforce the idea of a mutual, almost fated, connection between kindred spirits. Another key recurring image is that of the reckless partner, described in the chorus: "Got a .45 on him / And he pushing 'bout a 102 / Always smokin' somethin' / He ain't worried 'bout nothin' / 'Cause he ain't got nothing to lose." This cluster of images is repeated to firmly establish the 'outlaw' archetype that fascinates the narrator. Its recurrence emphasizes that these dangerous traits are not flaws to be overlooked but are the very source of the attraction. The phrase "wide, wide open" also repeats, suggesting a state of vulnerability, excitement, and being fully captivated by this lifestyle.