Stephen Wilson Jr. Delivers a Timeless Masterpiece with “I’m A Song”

Two weeks into 2025, and Stephen Wilson Jr. has already staked his claim on “Song of the Year” with his spellbinding live performance of “I’m A Song (Live at The Print Shop).” This track, a standout from his søn of dad (deluxe) album, is not just a song—it’s an experience, a narrative tapestry that stitches together moments of life, memory, and humanity.

Photo Credit: Acacia Evans

Hearing it live in Chicago was transformative. In a venue brimming with anticipation, Wilson Jr.’s voice became the most powerful instrument, transcending the ordinary to evoke chills that linger long after the final note. By the end of the set, the crowd wasn’t just clapping; they were clicking “repeat” in their minds, and now we are lucky to have it at our fingertips.

A Song That Understands You

At its core, “I’m A Song” is a love letter to music’s unparalleled ability to hold our stories. It’s a bookmark in the vast narrative of life, a companion for both triumph and heartbreak. As Wilson Jr. explains, “A song can be a bookmark in a 10 million+ page book that can take you right to the very paragraph and page. A story is what a song is, and our species lives for stories.”

The song itself unfolds like a cherished memory:

“I’m the sound of the county fair Ferris wheel kisses high up in the air A sip of brandy when your soul is bareAnd you need to share your heart”

It’s a masterclass in storytelling, capturing universal emotions with poetic precision. Wilson Jr. threads imagery of rodeos, county fairs, and first heartbreaks, evoking a sense of nostalgia. Yet, it never feels dated—it feels timeless.

A Personal Journey, Universally Told

Wilson Jr.’s connection to the song runs deep. As he recounts, “It was my father’s favorite song, he told me. A song I couldn’t play for a while but one that came back to me when it was time.” That personal resonance infuses every line with authenticity, grounding the song in a lived reality that listeners can’t help but relate to.

“I’m the melody glued to the memory That you can’t shake when it comes on”

These lyrics encapsulate the magic of music: its ability to tether us to moments we thought we’d lost. Whether it’s the joy of learning to drive, the ache of a goodbye, or the comfort of a late-night car ride, “I’m A Song” becomes a vessel for shared experience.

Why It’s the Song of the Year

Music critics often debate what makes a “song of the year.” Is it the lyrics? The arrangement? The performance? In the case of “I’m A Song,” it’s all of the above—and more. It’s the way Wilson Jr. melds his soul with the soul of the listener, creating a bridge that feels both deeply personal and universally inviting.

With a voice that soars and lyrics that cut to the core, Stephen Wilson Jr. has gifted us not just a song, but an anthem for every car ride, every heartbreak, every triumph, and every quiet moment in between.

Two weeks into the year, and it’s clear: “I’m A Song” is more than a frontrunner. It’s a reminder of why we fell in love with music in the first place. If you haven’t yet experienced this masterpiece, do yourself a favor—press play, and let it take you home.