I might wear a torn plaid shirt, denim jeans, and be willing to work; but these boots don't make the man who I am.

Ain't No Country Boy

My song “Missed Christmas” delves into the poignant emotions that present themselves during the holiday season in the absence of a loved one. Inspired by the recent loss of my dad on Memorial Day 2025, the song draws upon various situations I've witnessed, capturing the shared experience of loss that many can relate to.


Missed Christmas

"Would They" is a song I wrote in honor of Black History Month about a few years ago. But, I was hoping that those who hear it would apply the question to themselves-regardless of cultural origin. 
I know for myself, I am making opportunity work for me in employing the best informed choices I can where more than 'me' will benefit. I think it's all one can do. So yes...I know; they, today, would indeed be proud of me!

Take it home

Would They

Get 'em Lord is about the choices one has when confronted with bullying. No one likes a bully; and many who are abused by them are naturally tempted with thoughts of defense or retaliation.  

The teaching represented in this song is based on the age old, "turn the other cheek". This ideal seems very wimpy to some but within this context there is evidence of a strong, trusting individual whose belief system is active and which does not set upon a foundation of impotence. 

Choosing to love in looking to forgive is not an activity for the faint of heart; because this path is rife with difficulty, pain, and struggle. 

The artwork shows this reality. What the character is facing, he's choosing-which is a heart, love. But with that love comes the pain of inevitable rejection, ridicule, and whatever else conjured in the mind of his enemy.

On the other side behind him is a shadow which is the alternative-darkness of mind. Notice that both sides have a heart and a stake in the chest, but their order differs.

The dark side starts with the stake, then under it is the heart. This means that the primary source which drives the darkness comes from pain. The love side starts with the heart, which means a willingness to forgive. On the dark side the heart is pierced by hurt and bitterness; but on the other, love overcomes all even when currently under fire.

Regardless of the path chosen, there is a pain of sorts involved. But, the song is called "Get 'em Lord"; this is to mean that the 'heart' philosophy vs. the 'stake' philosophy is the one most desired because, as is stated in the song, it's about letting go and letting God-doing as he does with the underlying trust that he knows best. And not only trusting...remembering that I sometimes hurt Him in choosing to hurt others(and ultimately myself) or in doubting His ability to save me through this process. He leads the way in example: God forgives me; I too will forgive.

Take it Home

Get 'em Lord

Kilhappy is a true story. I'd love to hear your thoughts on it!!

When God created man, he gave us dominion over all his creation here on earth. There is only one thing he didn't; other humans.

In this story is portrayed a relationship where one has been dominated for some reason or another. Happiness is discovered to be almost depleted with him; and upon realizing it's slow demise he looks to escape.

His captor was like him once. But now is the result of what has dominated her; she resembles its nature, to vanquish.

The happiness in this story is freedom. Freedom to think and be one's self in exercising values and beliefs without regulation.

To kill happy is to die. He wants to live.you!!

Killhappy

"She ain't done it"  is about being kept in the friend zone by someone who says and shows that she's interested in a relationship/dating situation. She strings her hopeful suitor along with "sweet little nothings", and says she'll commit after her personal goals are met. Still, after reached, she ain't done it.

True story...

It. Sucks.

_____________
Written, Arranged, and Produced by: Zean Otey
Co-Produced by: Chase Brandon

Heard on the album:
Bass: Colin Lott
Drums: Brady Johnson
Keys: Chase Brandon
Vocals and guitar: Zean Otey

She Ain't Done It

She ain't done it

Take this one home

Ruf track for Andrew Garner and Kate Taylor to hear before tracking on 8-24-18

Last GB

Sax-Will Allison;
Engineer-Chase Brandon

(Lyrics)
Guess I’ll settle for first
©2018 Zean Otey

V1
These people would say he’s gone, that I’ve lost my way
No hope for this one, he’s done, cause we’ve ruined his name 
But if this turtle were a hare faster, he’d twice win the race 
Guess I’ll settle for first

V2
Let go to win, then don’t withhold that heart in you
-guru told me on that rainy day, and hey, I know it’s truth 
Cause the moment I gave it, I died; what’s the gain you say? 
Guess what, I settled for first

Chorus
She said to win don’t withhold that love in you
to give it extends out your soul-it’s a universal truth
This winning is losing the self in even the words you use 
Maybe some must exist as the bully
But I’ve got noth’n to prove



©2018 Zean Otey

Guess I'll settle for first

Guess I'll Settle For First

Bass: Nicholas Spinaci
Drums: Rohan Bumbra
Vocs/guitar: Zean Otey

Even though we mess up, Mom still loves! Happy Mother's Day!

________________
©℗ 2019 Onezean Otey III Publishing 
Broadcast Music Inc. (BMI) Affiliate  Publisher

Cover

Welcome to my corner of the SoundCloud universe! I’m Zean Otey, an indie artist from Lawrenceburg, TN, blending the heartfelt storytelling of Americana with the smooth grooves of jazz and the soulful echoes of blues. 

My music captures the essence of life’s journeys, delivering unpolished original works that reflect raw emotions and authentic experiences.

Here, you'll find intentionally, imperfectly polished but resonate deeply with the spirit of creation. 
Each song is a glimpse into my world, a blend of rugged edges and heartfelt melodies that invite you to connect on a genuine level.

✨ **Join me on this musical journey!** ✨ Hit that follow button, and let’s share this adventure together. I’d love to hear your thoughts, so don’t hesitate to leave a comment or reach out!

👇 Let’s connect!

Zean Otey

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