Going Strong

by Jackson Whalan

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74

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about

Being in work mode is how I deal with the problems of the world. Diving into my music is my way of reacting to current events. That's what this song is about for me.

I made the beat for “Going Strong” a few years back, with Ian Evans on piano, when I was living in an old train station that was renovated into a studio in Western Massachusetts. I started tons of new music there between 2014-2017, which I am still finishing and releasing to this day.

I refined the lyrics over the years. The beat became a springboard for me to express feelings about the world and share my journey, goals, and desires.

I tracked vocals for “Going Strong” at Patchwerk Recording Studios in Atlanta, GA with Evan Melville. Being in that studio was unforgettable. I went there because that’s where KRS-One recorded his vocals for our “From the Woods” remix collaboration.

Right now, I am staying as consistent as possible, dropping new music every two weeks. I’m currently in the UK on a family trip with my fiancé Amy and my 9-month-old son Fynn. I’m loving every moment. I have shows coming up, new music on the way, and plenty of fatherhood ahead.

lyrics

I've been in my working mode take control
Never gonna break and fold
I've been in my working mode
I'm going strong yeah
I've been in my work
I've been in my work
I've been in my work
I'm going strong yeah

The whole world working like everyone's a servant
Yo it's so disturbing try not to get discouraged
Just keep your people nourished listen to the sermon
Stacking paper earning but the whole forest burning
Humans still learning how to look at what's occurring
The future is a burden which way are we turning?
Look at who we're hurting yo that's another person
There is no other version why is nothing certain?
Lifting up the curtain to find the demon's lurking
They slither like a serpent but the birds still chirping
Long road swerving my thoughts stay churning
Hard to comprehend the situation we're in
Maybe around the bend my vision won't be blurring
The pretend from the truth I'm discerning
While everyone shouting it's hard to get a word in
While they sitting there observing I'm steady putting work in

I've been in my working mode take control
Never gonna break and fold
I've been in my working mode
I'm going strong yeah
I've been in my work
I've been in my work
I've been in my work
I'm going strong yeah

Our country drops missiles on villages without hospitals
While we're listening to Pop singles
Police pop pistols and get off with acquittals
I want to make a difference but it's hard to solve riddles
These rhymes are my only remedy
Even when they want to destroy me like an effigy
You can catch me cooking up a lyrical recipe
I'm working smarter instead of harder and aggressively
Everyone telling me what my direction should be
I just want this expression to be reaching you effectively
Making waves like the ocean when I'm next to the sea
Turned 30 feels like time's pressuring me
I've seen many levels and I'm always moving up one
Giving some receiving some until I see a lump sum
Now I'm facing the problems I used to run from
Writing rhymes let me bust one all about how

I've been in my working mode take control
Never gonna break and fold
I've been in my working mode
I'm going strong yeah
I've been in my work

credits

released March 3, 2023
Lyrics written and performed by Jackson Whalan
Produced by Jackson Whalan and Ian Evans
Vocal Engineer: Evan Melville at Patchwerk Recording Studios
Mixed by Jackson Whalan
Mastered by Robert Macchiochi (Subvert Central Mastering)