Champion~ NEW: Thought provoking single from JayJayBorn2Sing

 

Welcome Braapers!

When we say, 'JayJayborn2sing,' we know straight away that whichever of JayJay's songs is played it will always be from the heart. When we think of songs with great lyrics; consider Don Mclean's, 'Crying,' The Rolling Stones, 'Ruby Tuesday' or alternatively, extremely impactful Reggae hit, '96 Degrees in The Shade'- Third World. Each of these classics reflect different human experiences, stories and emotions that you can instantly recognize and relate to even if they are beyond your personal experience. There is always something in them that touches you and that vibration is echoed musically which cements the song in our hearts. This is certainly the case with Champion!

Personally, I believe Champion to be an extremely powerful song that has been created from a space of personal pain and is set to reinforce people's self-belief as they come through a period of depression. Equally, the lyrics can act as a tool to aid people by steering their inner-selves towards not only survival but the realisation of a better future. You did it, therefore, you are a champion.

Photo: OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

Context: This song was prompted by JayJay's personal circumstances, supporting a close family member through suicide attempts which is unbelievably hard to bear. Sadly,  JayJay informed me that it was actually written the day before he lost a very close friend. 

On top of this, the Covid pandemic rampaged worldwide in 2020 and left an ever increasing wave of suicides in its wake- we are not through this devastation yet and are still picking up the pieces, remaining for the foreseeable future in a recession. The figure quoted above in the press release (further information can be found on the Champion Health website,) indicates that a quarter of the population suffer with mental health issues at some point in their lives and unfortunately this results in horrendous suicide statistics. On average there are 115 suicides per week and sadly this occasionally includes a child. Not only do children suffer from family related anxieties and mental health issues, many are being drawn into the toxic world of social media expectations which they then impose upon themselves, losing more than just their childhood- for more information refer to the Dove reverse selfie campaign. 

Facts also state that men are  three times as likely as women to commit suicide which is possibly because women have always talked more about emotional issues and are more likely to ask for help. The reason underlying such high levels of depression are  understandable when we consider financial pressures, family make-up, roles and expectations; often underpinned with loneliness and also embedded society attitudes. Thankfully it is becoming acceptable for people to discuss their mental health and much of the stigma has been alleviated. Sadly, the vast majority of depression still goes untreated often due to lack of resources, specifically funding, therefore it is essential that this subject remains prominent in our awareness. This is where Jay Jay's song comes up trumps. Champion takes an extremely positive and pro-active approach, guiding us towards helping one another and ourselves, so let's study it in more detail.

Plea: JayJay encourages people to look inwards. Who is the real person that has become lost, experiencing the weight of personal circumstance adhered to their being? We often see changes occurring in people, however, may overlook the fact that their real spirit is still alive but muted within and may be activated by trying to find little things that re-ignite flashes of happiness within them.

Depression takes many forms and often people, myself included, do not recognise it when it occurs. Others are very clear about being depressed and their baseline is so low that to actually feel and become angry about their circumstances is a sign of improvement. Consideration for mental health is high on the work place agenda (statics in Champion Health link above) and this is why the government are encouraging us to develop mutually supportive work environments where people feel alright about asking for help. Currently there are many initiatives in society trying to erase the stigma of depression, especially in young men, and JayJay's song Champion directs people to really consider one another and spot those signs. Identification of depression really is an important part of the process.

Pathway to healing: Champion provides a way forwards enabling a person to study themselves- a form of mirror work through which they can consider their personal bodily attributes (listen carefully to the lyrics) and then begin to dig deeper and recognise the needs of their inner child- which is a very hot, current topic. This approach is also good for those who are supporting someone with depression. Depressed people may develop dulled eyes as they lose their natural, joyful sparkle, a hardened heart and some carry physical scars inflicted through self-harm or abuse- 'Look at my heart, look at my arms, look at my scars.' 

Depressed people may become very self-centred as their world begins to shrink, however, often people have true inner strength which helps them to wake up and decide to take control of their life often by seeking help. This is the beginning of the re-birth from which they will emerge a champion. I think the lyric that really highlights this is, 'coz there's a light that sometimes sleeps' reminding us that everything is temporary. We have the power to change and sometimes all it takes to begin that process is genuine concern and support.

Individuality: Ultimately this song is about us as individuals living our own lives and facing our demons; a product of nature, nurture and circumstance. Champion highlights individual pain alongside individual power and that is the heart of the matter. We are changing every day and the more we develop self-awareness the better we become at feeding the parts of us that need to grow whilst taking a sympathetic, loving approach towards the thoughts and attitudes we possess and dislike. Champion's lyrics are powerful- 'coz there is a child I sometimes feed coz he's a big part of me.' When you're depressed start feeding it with positive crumbs and work towards loaves- stoke your internal bakery so that the healing yeast will rise. Whatever we go through in our lives it is up to us to believe in ourselves and make those changes. Take a day at a time or even a moment at a time- eventually things become easier. 

Music: I am very struck by the musical aspect of Champion, whose opening melody is quite haunting and runs across the beat throughout. This ethereal quality picks up the thread of a meditative tune and plays directly to your brainwaves. It is beautifully executed and lifts your vibration in a way that is a little like R Kelly's major hit, I Believe I Can Fly. Music that has the ability to lift your spirits and help you soar is in itself a powerful tool that comes into play when feeling down or depressed. Jay Jay has reigned his pretty awesome voice in quite considerably throughout Champion, enabling the lyrics to speak for themselves- don't worry, his voice is as beautiful as ever and JayJay always applies vocal emphasis where required! 

In summary, I consider  Champion to be the right song at the right time. This world is changing and we are coming to the realisation that the power to change is within us. Whatever is facing you, don't give up, push through instead and become your own Champion.

Jaz McKenzie

Previous review in which JayJayBorn2Sing is featured. 

Please subscribe to our YouTube channel at  Its Braap TV & contact me via my Facebook group if you would like to contribute to  Its Braap.  Thank you. Jaz McKenzie~ The Word Magician