‘Won’t Fly’ Music Video by Jon Keith Should have a 1M Views
Jon Keith is no stranger when it comes to championing mental health. I briefly listened to some of his music years ago. However, I didn’t connect with him until I heard “Die” on Eremos. I listened to the song repeatedly and said, “Wow, someone finally said what I’ve felt out loud that I couldn’t put into words.” He said the things that people have belittled me about when I spoke about being suicidal.
Jon says he makes music for people like him, but lonely and searching describe everybody at some point in their lives. I feel like all my seasons look like one night, no pun intended. I fight every day to be me, and it’s mentally taxing.
When I saw the Reel advertising his new album Grow Wings, talking about music to fall apart to, I already knew what he meant because that’s how I use music. I listen to it to bring me closer to God and grow where others can’t reach me.
Jon further explained this on Sway on the Morning when asked about the lyrics to his latest single, “Won’t Fly.”
I got dreams, but I got no time
I hear Jesus at my door tonight
Can’t let Him see me, I’ll just go and hide
I’m too scared of what we gon’ find
When asked what inspired his lyrics, he stated that we bury things that even we forget about, and if we let Jesus in, He will find that. Knowing that human love would judge or reject us, we foolishly apply that principle to God. Instead, Jesus says “Come as you are” but He won’t leave you as you are, so He can take you further.
THE ANALYSIS OF THE VIDEO
Although Jon’s powerful lyrics reach the listener, I had to write this article to express the beauty of how those lyrics are translated to Jon’s headspace in the video. It starts with an argument, Jon being closed-off, stating he is fine, and the other person deciding there’s a problem. This is called “Deflection.” This allows the person not to have to deal with their issues.
He then places the blame on her, stating she wanted to talk about it, as if this caused the argument, not him being defensive. His posture is defensive and passive-aggressive, and he even gives her an option to stop anytime she wants. This allows her an ‘out’ and for him to justify, in fact ‘she is just like everyone else’ who will leave or hurt him.
The argument is between ‘him’ and ‘her’; there is no us because he won’t open up. She repeats what has been said before, “No one understands me, no one can save me.”
Although it is how he feels and it may not be right, it can feel very belittling when in an argument, someone says your feelings in that tone, and it makes you shut down faster and close yourself off.
When she doesn’t back down, he turns aggressive to make her leave the room, stating that she is no different than anyone else in his life. This is a classic response when you don’t want to be vulnerable and let someone in because they can hurt you. So you put up walls by any means necessary.
Change of Scenery
Sadly, it doesn’t only keep them out. It keeps you locked inside your own world, lonely and sad, because it’s easier than trusting someone who may hurt you. The shot is dramatic, she walks away in the distance, and his feelings are mixed. He really wants her to stay and regrets pushing her away. Or did he prove himself right to protect himself and stay lonely? These emotions erupt, and he puts his fist through the wall that teleports him to his world.
This stunning outdoorsy world that is full of trees and breathtaking scenic views carries this terrible, looming truth. As beautiful as it is, it’s lonely. There’s no one there to share it with.
Indeed, the mind is a beautiful thing. He likes it there, but he hates it. It’s safe, but there’s a calling that keeps bringing him back to reality, the person he’s keeping away. A butterfly is shown, a transformation that is unwilling to take because he has to break down and fall apart to become who he needs to be.
Shifting between both worlds, that same fist that went through a wall is now shown opening and closing. You can’t let go if you’re fighting. This is when he enters the room and they hold hands, showing that he’s willing to try and open up. The video changes to a Studio Ghibli style, and they are flying together, and some scenes show butterflies. He has officially let go and fallen apart, and now he can truly grow wings and fly.
Conclusion
Yeah, it’s a lot of analysis, but nowadays I don’t think people realize how much thought goes into a music video. I say all that to say, this is why I think this video should have over one million views.
Watching this video made me rethink my mental space. It’s so easy to retreat and be alone even when people are right there in front of me. I do these things I wrote about very naturally, and I also need to grow wings.
Bravo, Jon Keith. Keep fighting the good fight, talking about it, and showing it. There are millions out there just like you who won’t admit it. If you watched the video, watch it again, and share it with a friend. Let’s get this video to a million.
