Following the radio success of last summer’s country-flavored single, “Think Again,” and its CMT-featured video, Mountain Home Music Company recording artist Jaelee Roberts returns to kick off the new year with a straightforward, energetic bluegrass song, “You Can’t Stop Me From Staying," first premiered by Wide Open Country.
The track, which features an all-star team of players assembled by producer Tim Surrett (Balsam Range), bursts from the gate with strong banjo picking by oft-awarded labelmate Kristin Scott Benson soaring over a strong rhythmic bed from Surrett (bass) and guitarist Tony Wray before Roberts begins to reveal the narrative of a lover whose tenacity is embodied in the twist of the song’s title. Punctuated by energetic solos from award-winning mandolinist Alan Bibey and fiddler Jimmy Mattingly, Roberts’ fresh, expressive voice delivers each verse in tones of mounting confidence, with each chorus framed by harmonies from bluegrass power couple Kenny & Amanda Smith as the trio evokes the pledge that lies at the center of the song.
The attractiveness of its unbridled optimism came as something of a surprise to the singer, who notes: “It’s no surprise to anyone who knows me that I always gravitate toward sad songs. However, when I heard ‘You Can’t Stop Me From Staying,’ it made me smile and I immediately fell in love with the song! The lyrics are about not giving up on someone even if they are trying to push you away because they don’t feel like they’re deserving of you to stay with them:
You can’t stop me from staying
These hard times ain’t gonna get me down
Nothin’ in this world is gonna break me
You can count on my heart to stick around
"That is just a good story and I’m sure thankful to have the opportunity to share something that is encouraging – to not give up on a relationship if you believe in it.
"The message of the song is positive and the music is up-beat and up-tempo…all of which can be difficult for me to feel drawn to…but this great song written by Molly Tuttle and Jon Weisberger snagged me and I hope it will you, too!”
Listen to “You Can’t Stop Me From Staying” HERE.
