With the launch of his new release, “Who Was I?,” Jeremy Parsons stands at a crossroads of memory and maturity. The song is a country Americana rumination on the anxious ambiguity of his 25-year-old self. The song, from his new EP “Life,” strikes a personal, relatable note.
“Who Was I?” is about a younger Parsons who was lost, chasing his dreams and battling with his identity whilst under pressure to be what society wanted him to be. What began as a punchline to have fun with criticism of his 2021 album “Things To Come” becomes deep fare. The concept that his past work revealed no personal insight inspired Parsons to do something new, and rather than becoming defensive, he decided to reflect on it.
This song is a breath of fresh air because of its honesty. The song isn’t pretending to know everything and acknowledges that it doesn’t. It understands that when we’re in our twenties, we don’t know much and that growth can be confusing. Parsons exploits this openness, transforming it into profound ruminations on evolution. Drawing on country and Americana music, the song has a grounded authenticity. The stories are still vivid and anchoring, giving you a true picture of youth, while also serving the larger purpose of connecting with an avatar of lifelong learning.
“Who Was I?” is less concerned with preserving artistic integrity than with having a good time. Parsons makes it clear that growth is a lengthy, meandering road with lessons we can only recognize in retrospect. The reflection holds gratitude, a muted thank-you for every failure and triumph. With this release, Jeremy Parsons proves again to be an excellent composer who dares to hold a mirror up to himself. “Who Was I?” is also a question and an answer, and it reminds us that we are often more self-aware when we reflect without resentment.
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Connect with Jeremy Parsons on Instagram – @jeremyparsonsmusic
