Leaving scars of uncertainty and pain in a world where time rushes forward, Jay J. RA invites us to slow down, to breathe, and to heal—one day at a time. The Jamaican-born, Canada-based singer-songwriter is no stranger to weaving deep emotion into his music. His artistry defies genre, effortlessly blending R&B, soul, pop, rock, classical, and Afrobeat into a timeless and refreshingly new sound. His single, “One Day at a Time,” which came out in December last year, he crafts a soul-stirring anthem of perseverance, wrapped in warm melodies and delivered with an emotive sincerity.
Like the heavens, the song opens with a delicate piano melody, flowing like a gentle stream—soft, reflective, and deeply intimate. Before the vocals even arrive, the instrumentation sets an emotional stage, inviting us into Jay J. RA’s world of vulnerability and resilience. Then, his voice enters—soothing yet heavy with emotion, carrying the weight of experience and longing. “Here I am, a broken man, I need your hand to mend my heart”—these first words immediately set the tone, unraveling a journey of pain, perseverance, and hope. Jay J. RA’s delivery is raw yet refined, effortlessly guiding us through waves of sorrow and self-repair.
Lyrically, the song navigates the heavy theme of personal sorrow and resilience. The chorus is especially moving, as he repeatedly affirms, “Empty hearted, solve it / One day at a time,” embracing healing as a process rather than an instant fix. His vocals rise and fall with an aching sincerity, layered beautifully over the lush instrumentation that weaves between soul, gospel, and classic balladry. The bridge takes a deeper dive into introspection, with lines like “And I’ll never find a reason why I’m hopeless,”, revealing the internal struggle that lingers beneath the surface. Yet, even in the darkness, Jay J. RA seeks light—searching for answers within rather than from the world outside.
Production-wise, “One Day at a Time” is polished yet deeply organic. The warm resonance of the piano, the subtle string swells, and the gentle percussive elements create an atmosphere that feels almost spiritual. Every note, every pause, and every breath carries meaning, making the song an immersive experience rather than just a performance.
In the song, Jay J. RA doesn’t just sing about healing—he embodies it. His voice, his words, and his music all intertwine to remind us that even in our lowest moments, there is strength in taking things step by step. And with an artist like him leading the way, the journey feels a little less lonely.
Listen to “One Day at a Time” on Spotify
Follow Jay J. RA here for more information
